Johannesburg – Half-centuries from Dean Elgar and Pite van Biljon kept the Knights' domestic T20 play-off hopes alive as they secured a seven-wicket victory over the Titans at SuperSport Park, in Centurion, on Sunday.
Elgar (66) and Van Biljon (61 not out) put on a 120-run partnership in 13 overs to ensure that the Knights were never troubled in their chase, and achieved a target of 149 with seven balls to spare.
The visitors were equally indebted to Malusi Siboto, who claimed figures of 4/19 in four overs as the Titans were bowled out for 148 off the last ball of their 20 overs.
The Knights won the toss and elected to bowl first – a decision which paid off as Romano Terblanche picked up a couple of early wickets and the Titans were reduced to 49/4.
Farhaan Behardien and Albie Morkel stabilised the innings with a partnership of 87, only for Siboto to make his telling contribution.
The last six Titans wickets fell for just 12 runs, with Ryan McLaren taking the crucial one as he had Morkel caught and bowled for 66 from a 32-ball innings that included seven sixes.
The Titans score was clearly below par and, although they dismissed the in-form Reeza Hendricks with the second ball of the reply, Elgar and Van Biljon batted sensibly in a superb partnership.
Elgar fell to Morne Morkel with just five runs required for victory, but Van Biljon finished the job to keep the Knights' tournament ticking.
The result was of significant benefit to the Cape Cobras, who are now seven points ahead of the Titans in third, and five clear of the second-placed Warriors. – Sapa