Lions beat Knights to avoid wooden spoon

Cape Town - An outstanding 179-run opening stand by centurion Reeza Hendricks and rookie Janneman Malan ensured the Highveld Lions ended the One-Day Cup season on a positive note after an 138-run win over the Knights in Potchefstroom on Friday.

Right-hander Hendricks compiled his 10th List A ton after amassing 105 (121 balls, 13 fours), while his 21-year-old partner, Malan, playing just his second franchise match and making his home debut, struck a free-flowing 83 (87 balls, 9 fours, 2 sixes).

Their first wicket partnership paved the way for the host to score 299 for seven at Senwes Park, with the visitors then bowled out for 161 in 36.3 overs as they ended with the wooden spoon.

Bjorn Fortuin was the pick of the bowlers after bagging a career-best four for 22 that ensured the Lions also took away a bonus point.

Both sides have been poor this season and were looking to regain some pride from the contest in what was a dead-rubber in the North West.

After the hosts won the toss and batted, Hendricks and Malan left them in a strong position, before the stand was broken after 30.5 overs.

Wiaan Mulder's 37 not out off 22 balls and 33 by Rassie van der Dussen then ensured the momentum continued, although two wickets each by Ottniel Baartman (2/56), Romano Terblanche (2/49) and Corne Dry (2/53) did reel in the home side slightly.

The visitors then made a good start to the chase by reaching 103 for two in the 20th over, thanks in the main to top-scorer Pite van Biljon (42).

But Fortuin ran through the middle and lower order with good support from Mulder, whose three for 32 was also a best effort in List A cricket.