PORT ELIZABETH – A franchise-best 177 not out by captain Pite van Biljon ensured the Knights managed to secure an encouraging draw after batting out the final day of their 4-Day Domestic Series encounter against the Warriors on Thursday.
The right-hander was unbeaten at the end, having batted the entire last day, facing 292 balls, which included 27 fours and five sixes, to ensure his side saved the game by reaching 366/6 when stumps were eventually drawn at St George’s Park.
Van Biljon’s effort was complemented brilliantly by Andries Gous after he completed a wonderful second franchise game by striking 92 (189 balls, 12 fours, 4 sixes) – adding to his maiden ton in the first innings.
In fact, the rookie batted with his captain for most of the day, with the pair resuming on 154/4 at the start.
At that stage, the Knights were still 24 runs in arrears, but the two batsmen batted together until the lead was taken to 217.
They put on a fixture record 241 for the fifth wicket, surpassing the 236 by Ryan Bailey and Morné van Wyk, which was established in the 2010/11 season.
The stand was eventually broken by Yaseen Vallie (1/15), and even though Ryan McLaren (4) fell not long after, it was too late for the Warriors as the central franchise held on to secure a draw.