A 99-run partnership between stand in skipper Jono Hickey and BJ Horne has secured a five wicket win for the Northern Knights against Afghanistan at the Bay Oval.

Chasing a modest 207 in bright but breezy conditions in Mount Maunganui, the Knights cruised to victory in the first of two matches with their international opponents.

An Afghanistan batsmen looks to play a shot against the Northern Knights at Bay Oval. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Going into bat first, a patient innings from Afghanistan opener Nasir Jamal was rewarded with his side's top score of 55, setting a good platform for the overseas visitors.

Batting at four, Najibullah Zadran continued his side's good start and when he was bowled by Mitchell Santner for 36, Afghanistan were in good shape at 121/3.

However, the Knights bowlers struck back, taking four middle order wickets for 30 runs, before wicket keeper Asfar Khan arrived at the crease.

The Afghan keeper posted an unbeaten 37, taking his team to 207/9.

Anurag Verma and James Baker grabbed three wickets apiece while Mitchell Santner returned 2/35.

A 43-run first wicket partnership between Santner (26) and Bay of Plenty's Joe Carter (21) got the home team off to a good start.

When Afghanistan ran out Bharat Popli (35) with the score at 102, the momentum had turned back in their favour.

But captain on the day Jono Hickey (51) and BJ Horne (48) took charge to put on 99 runs, taking the Knights to the brink of victory, who posted a five wicket win.

The two sides meet again tomorrow in what is Afghanistan's final match at the Bay Oval.

Northern Knights v Afghanistan, October 7:

Afghanistan: 207/9 (Nasir Jamal 55, Najibullah Zadran 36, Asfar Khan 37no, Mohammed Asghar 23; JD Baker 3/32, A Verma 3/50, MJ Santner 2/35).

Northern Knights: 211/5 (JD Hickey 51, BJ Horne 48, B Popli 35; Yameen Ahmadzai 2/41).