Titans thrash Knights

THE star-laden Titans beat the Knights by 38 runs in their Ram Slam T20 Challenge match in Kimberley yesterday.

The Titans posted a commanding 199-4 batting first, and the Knights were never really in the chase as they ended 161-7 from their 20 overs.

South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn stole the headlines coming into the game, as he marked his return to cricket after more than a year out of the game with a shoulder injury. His contribution was 1-25 from three overs, which included a forgettable first over in which Steyn was smashed for 17. The good news, though, was that Steyn made it through the game without any new injury scares.

In the Titans innings, it would be opener Henry Davids who scored 50 from 42 balls who set the tone for the visitors after batting partner Quinton de Kock was run out for nine.

Aiden Markram also made 50, from 34 balls and was joined by AB de Villiers who plundered 43 from 20 in his brief stay in the middle.

A quickfire 37 unbeaten from 22 by Farhaan Behardien helped the tournament favourites to an intimidating total.

In the Knights reply, much hinged on the performance of David Miller. Once he was dismissed for eight with the score on 65-4 after 9.4 overs. However, the hosts lacked any real chance of chasing down the 200 needed for victory. Wicketkeeper batsman Andries Gous batted admirably in a losing cause for the Knights as he compiled 37 to add some respectability to the Knights’ total.

Tabraiz Shamsi was the pick of the Titans bowlers with 2-30, with Malusi Siboto (2-38) also chipping in with two wickets.