Lions and Knights play to thrilling tie

An excellent all-round performance by Hardus Viljoen helped the Highveld Lions secure a dramatic last-ball tie against the Knights in their MODC encounter at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley on Friday.
After the hosts totalled 272 for eight in their 50 overs, the visitors replied with 272 for nine, a total that looked beyond their reach when they had slumped to 231 for eight, still needing 43 from the final 20 deliveries.
But Viljoen, who earlier took two for 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, before the epic finish.
The home side had earlier set 273 to win thanks to half-centuries by David Miller (57 off 61 balls, 2 fours, 3 sixes) and Marchant de Lange (53 off 37 balls, 2 fours, 6 sixes).
Beuran Hendricks continued his good form this season by collecting two for 46.
Rassie van der Dussen top-scored for the Lions with 67 (84 balls, 8 fours), while Dominic Hendricks also made a half-century, hitting 50 (73 balls, 6 fours), to give them a chance.
But Duanne Olivier’s four for 34 and three for 48 by Eddie Leie kept the Knights in control, before the late drama.
Latest
-
News
Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer return to spearhead England’s tour of India
Jos Buttler will return home after the first Test as England seek to keep players fresh, while Ollie Pope will return when fit.
-
News
World Test Championship: Which countries are in the running for Lord’s final
The ICC World Test Championship final is set to be held at Lord’s in June, completing a two-year cycle of the inaugural tournament.
-
News
Klaasen named skipper of Proteas T20 squad for Pakistan series
South Africa named a much-changed squad for the T20I series that follows the two Tests in Pakistan.
-
News
Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer return to spearhead England’s tour of India
The star all-rounder and key pace bowler were both rested from the current tour of Sri Lanka.
-
News
James Anderson replaces Stuart Broad as England shuffle seam attack in Sri Lanka
The most prolific seamer in history will swap places with Broad for the second Test.
-
News
Joe Root backs Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley to adjust to Asian conditions
Sibley and Crawley contributed four single-figure scores in the opening Test for a total of 25 runs.
-
News
England fast bowler Olly Stone ready to resume Test ambitions in Sri Lanka
The Warwickshire quick is ready to prove himself again after 18 hard months since his debut.
-
News
Angelo Mathews: Sri Lanka batsmen ‘can learn a lot’ from Joe Root
Mathews hailed Root’s ‘magnificent innings’ in the first Test.
-
News
Dawid Malan happy to stay put after Trent Rockets’ show of faith
The England batsman has earned an improved deal in The Hundred.
-
News
England coach Chris Silverwood grateful for gift of the Gabba
India’s famous win over Australia grabbed the England squad’s attention in Galle.