THE VKB Knights saw their Sunfoil Series title hopes suffer a major blow after a crushing defeat against the previously winless Warriors inside two days in Kimberley on Friday.
After 15 wickets fell on the opening day, there were another 16 that went down on the second as the visitors were first dismissed for 165 in reply to the hosts 128, before again rolling over the Central Franchise cheaply.
The Knights’ second innings lasted a mere 34.4 overs as they were sent tumbling for a paltry 131.
That left the Warriors needing 95 for victory and they raced there in 17.2 overs for the loss of just rookie Martin Walters, whose score of 40 was the second highest in the match after Rudi Second’s unbeaten first innings 41.
Debutant Edward Moore (29) and Colin Ackermann (21) were the other two not out batsmen as the men from the Eastern Cape finally ended their winless four-day run this season, having lost seven out of their eight previous games.
The Warriors had started the day on 93/5 and managed to squeeze their way past the Knights and grab what proved to be a valuable 37-run lead as they were all out in 74.1 overs.
Duanne Olivier picked up 5/61 and Malusi Siboto incredibly claimed 4/19 in 19 overs. Sisanda Magala top-scored with 36.
Anrich Nortje, playing only his second franchise cricket game, then stood out with the ball for the Warriors by taking a career-best 5/34 in 10 overs to leave the home side in a huge mess.
Magala provided excellent support with 3/28 and Simon Harmer was at his usual best with 2/22.
The result leaves the Warriors bottom, although they will be over the moon with their 15 points, while the Knights picked up just four points to all but end their title prospects.
