Cape Town - Dillon du Preez claimed five wickets to lead a strong fightback from the Knights on day two of their Sunfoil Series clash against the Dolphins in Durban on Friday.
The veteran fast bowler took 5/44 - his 12th career five wicket haul - as the hosts were bowled out for 375 at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead.
Du Preez’s five-for also extended his first-class wickets tally to 302, with the visitors then replying with 143/2 before bad light again ended play early.
The Dolphins, who began the day on 203/3, had strong contributions from Daryn Smit after he struck 50 (134 balls, 4 fours), with rookie Senuran Muthusamy falling 20 short of a century after he made 80 (239 balls, 8 fours).
There were also useful lower-order contributions from Keshav Maharaj (31), Rabian Engelbrecht (28), Mthokozisi Shezi (28 not out) and Craig Alexander (21).
Alexander then put the Knights, who are still hoping to win the title and can do so should other results go their way in the final round of matches this weekend, in huge trouble early.
The fast bowler dismissed Reeza Hendricks (6) and Letlotlo Sesele (0) to leave the visitors on 11/2, before Michael Erlank’s unbeaten 59 (138 balls, 8 fours) and Rudi Second on 32 took them to the close without further trouble.
Rilee Rossouw, however, was forced to retire hurt for 32 after being struck by an Andile Phehlukwayo delivery.