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Cape Town - New captain Pite van Biljon recorded the first century of the Domestic 4-Day Series season as the Knights were bowled out for 279 on the opening day of their clash with the Cape Cobras in Cape Town on Monday.
The right-hander, who replaced Theunis de Bruyn as skipper after he returned to the Titans, made exactly 100 (151 balls, 16 fours, 2 sixes), but his side were still under pressure after the hosts ended the day at Newlands on 12 without loss.
It was Van Biljon’s 15th career century with the main support provided by Ryan McLaren thanks to his contribution of 52 (130 balls, 8 fours).
The home side had won the toss and put the Central Franchise into bat first at the toss, with the decision looking an excellent one when Dane Paterson’s early treble blew away the top order for just 36.
Grant Mokoena (4), Luthando Mnyanda (1) and Keegan Petersen (10) were the ones that departed early, before Van Biljon dug in first with Rudi Second (47) through a 119 fourth-wicket stand.
Debutant Tladi Bokako, the pick of the bowlers with three for 51, then struck the middle order as the Knights fell from 155 for three to 179 for six.
However, McLaren and Corne Dry (46) added 93 for the seventh wicket that again put the visitors on course for a solid total on 272 for six.
Rory Kleinveldt (3/56), though, rocked the lower order leaving the Knights all out in 92.1 overs.
Janneman Malan and Pieter Malan were both six not out by the close with the Cobras finishing 267 runs behind.
