JOHANNESBURG – An excellent all-round performance by Hardus Viljoen helped the Highveld Lions secure a dramatic last-ball tie against the Knights in their Momentum One-Day Cup encounter at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley on Friday night.
After the hosts managed 272/8 in their 50 overs, the visitors replied with 272/9, a total that looked beyond their reach when they had slumped to 231/8, still needing 43 from the final 20 deliveries.
But Viljoen, who earlier took 2/43, plundered four fours and two sixes in a 22-ball 45 not out to level the scores and earn his side a share of the points.
However, the Lions may feel slightly aggrieved that they did not take all the points after entering the final over requiring just seven.
The home side had earlier set 273 to win thanks to half-centuries by David Miller (57 off 61 balls, 2x4, 3x6) and Marchant de Lange (53 off 37 balls, 2x4, 6x6).
Beuran Hendricks continued his good form this season by collecting 2/46.
Rassie van der Dussen top-scored for the Lions with 67 (84 balls, 8x4), while Dominic Hendricks also made a half-century, hitting 50 (73 balls, 6x4), to give them a chance.
But Duanne Olivier’s 4/34 and 3/48 by Eddie Leie kept the Knights in control before the late drama.