Knights secure home final with T20 Knockout Qualifier 1 victory

The Knights sealed their place in the T20 Knockout Final, winning by three runs (DLS method) over Eastern Cape Iinyathi in the rain-affected Qualifier 1 encounter at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein.

After being put in to bat first, Iinyathi ended on 140/7 after 20 overs. The innings saw a series of struggles as the Knights' bowlers applied pressure early on.

Nathan Roux was bowled out by Mbongi Mhlanga after eight runs. Lihle Sizani, another early casualty, managed only nine before being dismissed by Sisanda Magala, leaving Iinyathi at 18/2.

Despite a shaky start, Iinyathi attempted to rebuild, but wickets fell rapidly. Christian Du Toit and Jason Niemand both fell for eight and 19 respectively, with Mhlanga claiming three wickets in quick succession.

Wian Ruthven provided much-needed momentum, striking 25 off 17 balls

The innings was reclaimed to some extent by Hardus Coetzer, who stood firm amidst the collapse, scoring a resilient 33 from 24 balls (1x4, 2x6).

Alindile Mhletywa also contributed with 11 runs, helping Iinyathi reach a total of 140.

The Knights' bowling attack was led by Mhlanga, who finished with impressive figures of 3/18 in his four overs.

Magala and Seth Fledermus also chipped in with crucial wickets, maintaining tight lines and lengths throughout the innings.

Chasing a target of 141, the Knights started their innings with confidence. Jacques Snyman, leading from the front, scored 36 runs off 24 balls, striking four fours and two sixes.

His aggressive intent set the tone for the chase, however, he fell to Lihle Sizani, departing at 48/1.

Ruben du Toit, making a quick contribution of 12 runs off nine balls, was dismissed by Thozama Totana, leaving the Knights at 62/2. Despite losing two wickets, the chase was well under control.

Cloete scored 14 while Abrahams added eight and the hosts were on 76/2 in 11.4 overs when rain came.

With this win, the Knights advance to the final at home.

Meanwhile, Iinyathi will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for Qualifier 2, seeking to bounce back and keep their tournament hopes alive.

Meanwhile, the Free State Cricket Union is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with innovative brand powerhouse Flexbrands, who have officially secured a three-year naming rights agreement with the Knights.

The partnership sees the professional team of central South Africa officially become the Flexbrands Knights for the next three seasons, marking a transformative moment in the team’s journey.

Flexbrands joins the Knights at a time of renewed focus, strategic rebuilding and a determined pursuit of success at the highest level of domestic cricket. With shared values around performance, growth, opportunity and community upliftment, the partnership represents a powerful alignment of ambition and purpose.

Free State Cricket Union CEO, Johan van Heerden, expressed his delight about the new chapter ahead.

“To secure a partner who shares the same values and long-term vision as the Knights is an exciting and positive step forward. We

are well aware of the challenges faced in recent years, including relegation but this partnership signifies belief, belief in our

potential, belief in our people and belief in the future we are building.

“Flexbrands is a company that is hungry to grow and establish a strong presence in South African sport and together we aim to

create a household name in Bloemfontein and throughout the cricket fraternity in South Africa. It is truly wonderful to have them

on board, and we look forward to living up to their powerful slogan: ‘Together We Rise’,” concluded Van Heerden.

This partnership will extend beyond professional cricket, focusing on inspiring the next generation, strengthening cricket development pathways, and connecting fans more closely to the Flexbrands Knights.

“Free State Cricket Union is grateful to be associated withFlexbrands as the Knights’ naming partner,” commented Free State Cricket Union President, Xander Snyders.

“This is not only a sponsorship but also a shared journey of growth. We proudly welcome Flexbrands into the cricket family. The

Knights will represent their brand with pride, enthusiasm and high performance on and off the field. We are united by strong ethical values and a commitment to establishing both Flexbrands and the Knights as powerful, trusted names within South African sport. I am confident that together we will rise stronger, bolder and more successful,” said Snyders.

Flexbrands brings industry-leading creativity and dynamic energy to this partnership, ready to elevate the Knights’ identity and engage supporters in fresh and exciting ways both inside and outside the stadium.

Managing Director of Flexbrands Group, Brandon Moran, shared his excitement for the future of the partnership by saying: “We are thrilled to join forces with the Knights at such a pivotal moment in their rise. This collaboration represents so much more than a name on a jersey, it is a commitment to investing in the people, passion and performance that move South Africa forward.

“The Knights embody resilience, ambition and community pride and together we aim to unlock incredible opportunities for growth both on the field and within the regions and schools that live and breathe this sport. We cannot wait to stand alongside the Knights as we rise together into a bold new era,” Moran said.

Upcoming Division 2 T20 Knockout Matches

Wednesday @ 1pm: Eliminator: Garden Route Badgers v Mpumalanga Rhinos – Recreation Ground, Oudtshoorn

Friday @ 1pm: Qualifier 2 – Iinyathi v Winner of Eliminator – Buffalo Park, East London

Sunday @ 1pm: Final – Knights v Winner of Q2 – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein