Peterson rips Warriors apart

A 12th career century by Keegan Petersen followed by a dreadful collapse from the Warriors helped the Knights complete their biggest-ever 4-Day Domestic Series victory in Kimberley on Wednesday.

The hosts won by 284 runs, their biggest margin in terms of runs in the history of franchise cricket, surpassing a 211-run triumph over the same opponents back in 2011-2012.

It was all set up by Petersen, who struck a free-flowing unbeaten 103 (133 balls, 10 fours, 1 six), and the bowlers, in particular Ryan McLaren and Duanne Olivier.

They shared seven wickets between them, with McLaren claiming four for 42 and Olivier landing three for 23.

But the Warriors will be feeling they only have themselves to blame after they lost their final five wickets for 12 runs and the last nine wickets for 60 runs.

However, the day undoubtedly belonged to the Knights.

They were batting at the start of it on 206 for four and were still together when the declaration arrived on 330 for four – a victory target of 490.

Petersen was at the heart of their display, while Andries Gous supported him brilliantly with his 67 not out.

The two ensured no wickets fell for their side on day three as they put on 162 together for the fifth wicket as the innings was ended on 70.2 overs.

The Warriors made a strong start thanks to Eddie Moore’s 60, aided by Gihahn Cloete (45) and Yaseen Vallie (23), with the three helping their side reach 145 for one.

But it all went pear-shaped from there as McLaren and Olivier ripped through the batting to help seal a memorable win.

Meanwhile, half-centuries by Jonathan Vandiar, Shaun von Berg and Eldred Hawken gave the Titans a chance for a victory push after a solid day three of their 4-Day Domestic Series encounter against the Dolphins in Durban.

The visitors progressed from their overnight score of four for one to 325 for eight – a lead of 139 and a relatively strong position considering almost half the game has been lost due to bad light and rain at Kingsmead.

In the other game, Pieter Malan was closing in on his third century of the season as the Cape Cobras were fighting hard at the close of the third day of their 4-Day Domestic Series encounter against the Highveld Lions.

The right-hander struck an unbeaten 95 to rescue the log leaders from a woeful start of 75 for five at Boland Park to reach the close on 186 for five in pursuit of a 433-victory target.