Knights captain Pite van Biljon continued his rich vein of form in the 4-Day Franchise Series with a superb 70 against the Dolphins in Kimberley.
Van Biljon started the season last week in fine style against the Cape Cobras at Newlands, scoring 100 and 57 in a losing cause. Van Biljon put together a cautious 70 off 127 balls with 12 fours in the Knights’ first innings, having restricted the Dolphins to 268 in their first innings at Kimberley, with Knights star bowler Duanne Olivier taking 4-50 in 19.4 over.
‘Duanne is obviously a serious player for us,’ said Van Biljon. ‘He sets the tone with the new ball. The ball he bowled to Vaughn van Jaarsveld was an absolute ripper. I don’t think there are many guys in world cricket who would have been able to keep that ball out.’
Van Biljon commented that the pitch had been a little bit up and down, adding that the Dolphins bowlers and fielders had done well to build good pressure.
‘Their spinners didn’t bowl many bad balls and they set clever fields,’ added the Knights skipper. ‘Our plan is always to bat deep and everyone in our team knows he has a responsibility with the bat. So no real tactics… just a good, positive mindset.’
Van Biljon is looking forward to the next two days considering that the match is well balanced between the two sides. The Knights lost their opening match against the Cape Cobras, although they were in a position to challenge for the win at various stages of the match. The Dolphins drew their opening encounter with defending champions the Titans.
‘It is shaping up to be a really good game. Tomorrow will be a big day for both teams. We will see who can take the pressure the longest and transfer pressure the longest,’ added Van Biljon.
Photo: Louis Botha/Gallo Images
