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Bloemfontein - Knights coach Alan Kruger admits that it is make or break for his side over the Easter weekend in the CSA T20 Challenge as they face two all or nothing clashes that will determine their fate in the competition.
Poor form coupled by the weather has left the Central Franchise bottom of the log ahead of their round six encounter against the Highveld Lions in Kimberley on Saturday.
The Knights have just four points heading into the match after three losses and two wash outs from their opening five games.
Their opponents are second on the standings with 15 points at the halfway stage, and with the top of the table Cape Cobras set to follow after the Lions on Monday, Kruger says another set of losses will effectively end their campaign.
"It's definitely make or break," Kruger said. "We have five games in eight days and so the time is now for us to get the ball rolling.
"Cricket is a funny game and once you get that first win, the second can easily follow. That's how it will hopefully work for us."
Although the rain has hampered progress, Kruger says it was not the worst thing for his side. "I think looking at our form, the rain was actually a blessing for us," he explained. "There is rain around again, but hopefully this time we can get two games in and produce the results we desperately need."
The biggest problem for the Knights has been their batting. And it is an area that could determine the outcome of their weekend results. "Both teams are very good with the ball and we need to nullify them," Kruger adds. "That's where we face the biggest challenge because we know we've been poor with the bat."
Lions captain Temba Bavuma is pleased with how their competition has taken shape, especially after beating the Multiply Titans on Thursday. "It has set us up nicely and we look forward to the weekend," he stated.
The Johannesburg-based side are only two points behind the Cobras at the summit now and Bavuma says good consistent play all-round has been key. "We're doing well with bat and ball as you saw in the last game," he said. "Everyone is firing and it's important that things stay that way this weekend."
