Share

Warriors book semi spot with victory over Knights

Cape Town - Jon-Jon Smuts starred with bat and ball as the Warriors sealed their place in the One-Day Cup semi-finals by edging out the Knights by two wickets in a nervy affair at Buffalo Park in East London on Wednesday.

The home captain first took three for 31 as the visitors were bowled out for 216, before blasting a key 43 off 40 balls to help his side chase down their target with 56 balls to spare.

The four points gained for the win in what was effectively a knockout affair took the host to an unassailable 17 points on the table and eliminated the Knights and the Highveld Lions in the process.

Asked to bowl first after losing the toss, the men from the Eastern Cape struggled initially as the away side raced to 141 for two after 30 overs.

This was thanks to an excellent 70 (110 balls, 10 fours) by Andries Gous, but the Central Franchise then collapsed after their top-scorer fell shortly after the captain Rudi Second (23) departed.

Smuts, Colin Ackermann (3/31) and Sisanda Magala (2/41) then all struck key blows at regular intervals to leave the Knights all out in 49.5 overs.

To their credit, the visitors refused to throw in the towel and fought to the death.

After Gihahn Cloete (45) and Lesiba Ngoepe (25) put on 70 for the first wicket, the home side were left in trouble after three wickets by Ottniel Baartman (3/50).

Mbulelo Budaza (2/17) and Werner Coetsee (2/44) also strike twice each to reduce their opponents to 196 for eight.

But an unbroken 23-run stand between Ayabulela Gqamane (14) and Magala (nine) took them over the line in 40.4 overs.

They will now meet defending champions the Titans in the semi-final, although they must still play the Cape Cobras in their final league-phase match on Friday.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE