An unbeaten century from Rudi Second rekindled the VKB Knights’ interest in the Momentum One-Day Cup after they seized a 74-run bonus-point win over the Warriors at Buffalo Park in East London on Sunday.
The opener batted throughout the innings with a measured 110 in 149 balls (4 fours), his 11th List A ton, to help his side reach 258/6 after winning the toss and batting first.
Patrick Botha also impressed with an aggressive 63 from 54 balls (7 fours, 1 six), while captain Werner Coetsee crashed 42 off 31 to help the visitors end the first half of the game with the initiative. Despite making a decent enough start to their reply – they were 50/1 – they then lost 4/41 and the heart of their top order to slip to 91/5.
That was in the midst of a fine spell by Mbulelo Budaza as his three wickets caused havoc. He eventually ended as the pick of the bowlers with 3/20 in 6 overs. Amongst Budaza’s scalps were top-scorer Jon-Jon Smuts, who made 53 off 70 balls (9 fours), before he was trapped leg before wicket. Christiaan Jonker (26), Clyde Fortuin (27) and Simon Harmer (23 not out) all got starts but failed to kick on as the Warriors were dismissed in 43.3 overs.
Michael Erlank snared up 3/34, while there were two wickets each for Coetsee (2/29) and Malusi Siboto (2/38). The result lifted the Knights off the bottom of the table with 13 points, five behind the Warriors in the final play-off spot with two rounds to play.