A SECOND successive unbeaten century from all-rounder Dian Forrester inspired the Knights to their first victory of the One Day Cup season, as they thrashed Western Province by 157 runs at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
The emphatic win marked the Free State side’s first success of the campaign, while log leaders Goldrush Boland maintained their perfect start with a thrilling three-wicket victory over the Warriors in Gqeberha.
Forrester was the standout performer in Bloemfontein, continuing his red-hot form with an unbeaten 113 off 99 balls to propel the Knights to a formidable 311 for six after they opted to bat first.
The 24-year-old had already notched up 123 not out in a rain-affected clash against the Warriors midweek, and his latest innings took his season tally to 257 runs in just three innings.
He was well supported by valuable contributions from Patrick Botha (43), Malusi Siboto (40) and Tiaan van Vuuren, who hammered four sixes in a blistering 18-ball 41 not out.
Van Vuuren then starred with the ball, returning figures of three for 16 in 5.4 overs as the Knights skittled out the defending champions for just 154 in 34.4 overs.
Western Province struggled against the disciplined Knights attack, with only George Linde (37) and Kyle Simmonds (35 not out) managing to pass 30.
At St George’s Park, spinners Imran Manack and Shaun von Berg played match-winning roles with the bat as Boland chased down 198 with 11 balls to spare.
After electing to bowl first, Boland’s attack was on point, restricting the Warriors to 198 in 43.4 overs.
Ayabulela Gqamane (3/24) was the pick of the bowlers, while Manack (2/48), Lehan Botha (2/28) and Akhona Mnyaka (2/32) also made key contributions.
Boland’s chase, however, was far from straightforward.
They found themselves in deep trouble at 103 for six and later 128 for seven as Alfred Mothoa (3/34) and Senuran Muthusamy (2/35) tightened the screws.
But von Berg (49*) and Manack (37*) held their nerve, forging an unbroken 73-run eighth-wicket stand to guide their team home and secure Boland’s third consecutive win. – Sports Reporter