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Kimberley - Half-centuries from Reeza Hendricks and Nicky van den Bergh sent the Highveld Lions on their way to a comfortable 20-run win over the Knights in their T20 Challenge encounter at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley on Friday.
Opener Hendricks, who was returning from a shoulder injury and playing against his former employers, blasted 53 (31 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes), while Van den Bergh impressed with 57 (35 balls, 4 fours, 3 sixes) in the visitors’ total of 182/5 after they had won the toss and batted.
Rassie van der Dussen and Mangaliso Mosehle both hit 24s to ensure their team were in a formidable position at the halfway stage against a home team low on confidence.
The Knights, who imploded for 93 in their previous innings against the Warriors, suffered a blow first ball of their reply when Michael Erlank was bowled for a duck by Hardus Viljoen (1/24).
But to their credit, they did manage to fight on through T20 franchise debutant Leus du Plooy’s 45 (22 balls, 3 fours, 3 sixes) and 42 (32 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) from Pite van Biljon.
Luthando Mnyanda also hit 25 not out but it was still not enough as the Central franchise were restricted to 162/6.
The most successful bowler for the Lions was Bjorn Fortuin after he claimed 4/39, while Aaron Phangiso was the most miserly with his 0/23.
In the process the Knights suffered a sixth straight loss this season to stay bottom of the table, with the Lions moving up a place to fourth.
