BLOEMFONTEIN – The Knights cricket team will face the Eastern Cape Iinyathi in the final of the T20 Series for Division 2 teams after Iinyathi won Qualifier 2 on Buffalo Park in East London earlier on Friday, 21 November.
The two teams will again battle it out on Sunday 23 November on the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.
After being put into bat first in the match on Tuesday 18 November in the first Qualifier, Iinyathi ended on 140/7 after 20 overs. The innings saw a series of struggles as the Knights’ bowlers applied pressure early on.
Nathan Roux was bowled out by Mbongi Mhlanga after 8 runs. Lihle Sizani, another early casualty, managed only 9 runs before being dismissed by Sisanda Magala, leaving Iinyathi at 18/2.
Despite a shaky start, Iinyathi attempted to rebuild, but wickets fell rapidly. Christian Du Toit and Jason Niemand both fell for 8 and 19 runs respectively, with Mhlanga claiming three wickets in quick succession.
Wian Ruthven provided much-needed momentum, striking 25 runs off just 17 balls
The innings was reclaimed to some extent by Hardus Coetzer, who stood firm amidst the collapse, scoring a resilient 33 from 24 balls. His innings included 1 four and 2 sixes.
Alindile Mhletywa also contributed with 11 runs, helping Iinyathi reach a total of 140.
The Knights’ bowling attack was led by Mbongi Mhlanga, who finished with impressive figures of 3 for 18 in his four overs.
Sisanda Magala and Seth Fledermus also chipped in with crucial wickets, maintaining tight lines and lengths throughout the innings.
Chasing a target of 141, the Knights started their innings with confidence. Jacques Snyman, leading from the front, scored 36 runs off 24 balls, striking four 4s and 2 sixes.
His aggressive intent set the tone for the chase, however, he fell to Lihle Sizani, departing at 48/1.
Ruben du Toit, making a quick contribution of 12 runs off 9 balls, was dismissed by Thozama Totana, leaving the Knights at 62/2. Despite losing two wickets, the chase was well under control.
Cloete scored 14 runs while Abrahams added 8 runs and the hosts were on 76/2 in 11.4 overs when rain came.
The final will start at 13:00 on the Mangaung Oval. Entry is free. See more on the BloemNews Facebook page.
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