A blistering century from Patrick Kruger propelled the Knights to a 19-run victory over the Dolphins in the Umthunzi Cup.

The Knights won the toss and elected to bat first, and the men from Bloemfontein scored runs freely, making hay through the power play to reach 74-1 after seven overs.

They continued to bat well as Kruger put the Dolphins bowlers to the sword, plundering 102 not out from 56 deliveries. He was well supported by Andries Gous (28) and young Raynard van Tonder, who chipped in with 25.

The Knights finished their innings on an intimidating 182-4 after their 20 overs.

The pick of the Dolphins bowlers was left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy who finished with 2-19 off his four overs.

In reply, the Dolphins were in early trouble as they lost wickets at regular intervals early on and soon found themselves reduced to 32-4.

When Andile Phehlukwayo fell for two runs, Sibz Makhanya (42) and Muthusamy (34) steadied the ship and took them to 85-5. From there Prenelan Subrayen scored a quick-fire 37 before the hosts ran out of overs, finishing on 163-8.

The Dolphins will continue their pre-season preparations right up until they play their first game of the CSA Four-Day Challenge against the Multiply Titans in the last week of September.

Photo: Anesh Debiky/Gameplan Media