Knights in control against Warriors
THE VKB Knights closed day one of their Sunfoil Series clash with the Warriors at Bloemfontein’s Mangaung Oval yesterday firmly in command with the score on 360/5 – thanks to a sensational 151 from Rudi Second.
This was his second century in a row after the 125 he scored against the Dolphins last week.
During a stay that lasted 294 minutes, he plundered 26 fours in an unforgettable innings, only to fall six overs short of the close of play when Basheeru-Deen Walters (1/65) beat his defence to trap him lbw.
Earlier in the day, Rudi played second fiddle to Rilee Rossouw, whose blistering 83 from just 96 balls set the tone for this mammoth score.
The pair combined for 118 for the third wicket before Rossouw was struck on the pads by Simon Harmer’s (2/89) finger spin as he had his own century in sight.
Rossouw has the ability to win any format of the game all on his own and was at his fluid best.
If he was feeling the pressure after being entangled in the Kolpak scandal that saw Proteas coach Russell Domingo single him out in a fiery media conference, he did not show it and will be sorely missed when he finally packs his bags for England.
Harmer’s first wicket was that of another set batsman when he sent opener Michael Erlank packing with his seventh ball for 30.
His partner, Luthando Mnyanda (15), will feel similarly aggrieved as a good start came to an end courtesy of Sisanda Magala (1/79), who picked up the first wicket of the day with the score on 39.
Captain Theunis de Bruyn was just getting settled when he had to retire hurt on 31.
The Knights are in a commanding position heading into day two thanks to a prized knock from the man named Second.