A scintillating maiden One-Day Cup century by Jacques Snyman paved the way for the Knights to end their winless start to the season and overcome the Cape Cobras by three wickets on the DLS method in Kimberley on Saturday.

The right-hander blazed 124 off 71 balls, including 9 sixes and 10 fours, to help the hosts cruise to a 258 target with 40 balls to spare.

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It was a magical innings by Snyman and one the Central Franchise will be hoping is the tonic they need to ignite a poor campaign so far where their batsmen have struggled.

At the Diamond Oval, though, they were no such problems thanks to their top-scorer, whose performance came after the visitors had earlier posted 226-5 when they were put in to bat first.

The competition’s leading batsman, Zubayr Hamza, once again played a key hand with a score of 64 off 60 balls (6 fours, 1 six).

The Cobras captain was aided by Jonathan Bird’s maiden 50 at this level – the South Africa U19 star top-scoring with 69 (77 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes).

Janneman Malan (39) and Kyle Verreynne (34) also made useful contributions.

The intervention of rain meant the target was revised and Andries Gous (34) and Snyman then offered the Knights a blazing start of 106 in just over 12 overs to set them on their way.

Akhona Mnyaka (3-36) threatened to derail the chase, but Wandile Makwetu (45) and Obus Pienaar (34 not out) offered Snyman enough support to get their side over the line and a first win after five games.

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