A superb team effort with bat and ball by the Knights had the Cobras dead and buried before a magnificent century by Kyle Verreynne turned the tables to secure a thrilling last-over win in their One-Day Cup match at Bloemfontein, writes SIMON LEWIS.
A simply spectacular century by Verreynne kept the Cape Cobras in the hunt for victory against the Knights after the Cobras top order were stunned by an opening blitz from Marchant de Lange and Mbulelo Budaza that saw the visitors stumble to 15-3 in response to the Knights competitive score of 282-6 off 50 overs.
Verreynne and Jason Smith (40) added 83 for the fourth wicket to right the Cobras innings, after which the middle order and tail wagged impressively, with Aviwe Mgijima (38), George Linde (21), Dane Piedt (36) and Dane Paterson (17 not out) all partnering superbly with Verreynne to take the Cobras to what had seemed an improbable victory.
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Verreynne ended undefeated on 114 off 119 balls (S/R 95.79), including 12 fours, as he led the Cobras triumphantly to a winning score of 286-7 off 49.3 overs.
De Lange was superb with the ball for the Knights, returning figures of 8-0-45-3 (econ 5.62), while Jacques Snyman was the most economical of the home side’s bowlers, conceding just 4.20 runs per over.
The Knights got off to a solid start earlier in the day, Grant Mokoena (20) and Andries Gous (60) adding 57 for the first wicket inside 13 overs, after which Gous and Keegan Petersen (52) took the score to 104 inside 25 overs.
The middle order pumped up the run rate impressively, with Ryan McLaren (56 from 56 balls), Pite van Biljon (25 off 14) and Patrick Kruger (39 off 19, S/R 205.26, 5×4, 1×6) taking their side to a respectable score of 282.
Akhona Mnyaka picked up 2-61, while George Linde (1-23, econ 2.30) and Tladi Bokako (1-38, econ 4.75) were superb with the ball for the Cobras, but Verreynne was the unanimous choice for the Player of the Match award.
Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images
