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Cape Town - Knights coach Nicky Boje believes the manner in which they played to beat the Titans in their Sunfoil Series opener will carry them nicely forward as they prepare to take on the Cape Cobras in Bloemfontein starting on Tuesday.
The Knights claimed a stunning upset win over the reigning champions, overturning a first-innings deficit of more than 100 to win by four wickets at Centurion.
“It was definitely pleasing and to walk away from there knowing the amount of pressure we were under in certain parts of the game, is excellent for us,” Boje said. “It’s always nice to get that first win and the way the guys played under pressure was good. That will take us forward nicely.”
Things don’t’ get too much easier this week as they welcome a wounded Cobras team to the Mangaung Oval.
The Cobras were comprehensively beaten by the Highveld Lions in their season opener, losing by 10 wickets in Johannesburg.
But Boje is not too worried about the opposition or their woes, adding: “We’ll just focus on what we need to do and not worry about them. There’s still things we need to do in order to improve and those are the things we’ll be concentrating on.
“It’s the first home game of the season as well, so we’re looking forward to playing here in Bloemfontein. We’re very confident after the win.”
Their opponents from Cape Town struggled with the bat in their first game and were bowled out for scores of 102 and 211.
Coach Paul Adams knows where their problems lie. “You have to bat better than we did, especially in that first innings,” he said. “That’s what created the pressure.
“So yes it was a tough one against the Lions, but it’s important now that we trust the processes that we follow.
“And that’s to show a lot more character when conditions are tougher and make sure we try to put up a base in that first innings, when it’s so important.”
The Knights are expected to stick with their winning formula for the game.
Andrew Puttick is unavailable for the Cobras, while Vernon Philander will also not feature after undergoing a minor tooth procedure.
