A fine century and half-century from North West Dragons batsman Diego Rosier has put his team in the driver’s seat after three days of the 1st Class Series match against the Knights in Bloemfontein.
Rosier scored 71 (128) in the first innings before following it up with a brilliant 130 (197 balls) in the second innings, giving the Dragons a lead of 368 runs.
The Knights are currently 24/1 in their second innings and will need to chase 368 for victory. The Dragons’ bowlers will look to take the remaining nine wickets to claim the win.
The Dragons made 251 in their first innings before restricting the Knights to 228 all out. This was thanks to fantastic bowling from Daryn Dupavillon (4/42) and Onke Nyaku (4/26), who set the tone. Dupavillon’s first wicket for the Dragons was also one to remember as he sent Lesego Senokwane’s stumps flying with a yorker.
The Dragons’ bowlers were all over the Knights, but Gihann Cloete stood firm for the home team with a defiant 118 (188 balls).
The Dragons scored 344 all out in their second innings, largely thanks to Rosier’s knock. Ruan de Swardt also supported him with a solid 71 (148) in a 168-run fifth-wicket partnership with Rosier.
The 39-year-old Malusi Siboto was the pick of the Knights’ bowlers, taking 4/62. Siboto’s longevity is also worth noting, with the fast bowler making his debut for North-West way back in 2008.
Everything is set for an epic final day of action in Bloemfontein, with all three results still possible – a Dragons win, a Knights victory or a draw.
