Run-fest in Paarl

Paarl - Pite van Biljon and Obus Pienaar added big hundreds to the one already posted by Reeza Hendricks as the Knights put up a monumental score on the second day of their Sunfoil Series clash with the Cape Cobras at Boland Park.

Van Biljon scored 175 and Pienaar notched up an unbeaten 136 as the Knights posted 570 for five declared, before the Cobras reached stumps on 116 for one in reply.

The first day’s run-fest had been driven by Hendricks’s brilliant 157, which had left the Knights 310 for four overnight.

The second day picked up from that with Van Biljon and Pienaar extending their partnership from 15 overnight to 240 as the Cobras were made to toil without reward in the Paarl heat.

Dane Piedt finally made the breakthrough when he had Van Biljon caught and bowled to end the batsman’s innings after more than six and a half hours at the crease.

Pienaar increased his scoring rate as the Knights approached the declaration, and finished with a strike rate of 72 after taking just 187 deliveries for his unbeaten knock.

Michael Erlank hit a quick 20 not out before the innings was declared to leave the Cobras with 31 overs to bat at the end of the day.

The hosts made an excellent start as Richard Levi and Andrew Puttick put on 112 for the first wicket before the left-hander was caught and bowled by Corne Dry for 40.

Levi continued to make good use of the conditions as he blazed his way to 72 not out from just 88 balls, and he will continue on Monday morning with night watchman, Mthokozisi Shezi (two not out), for company.