The Central Hinds successfully chased down the modest target of 89 with seven balls to spare, and five wickets still standing.
It was always going to be tough for Otago without key players Suzie Bates and Katey Martin, who are both playing in the Big Bash women’s competition across the Ditch this weekend.
Otago batted first but was very slow to get going and had just 40 runs on the board after 10 overs. It had already lost two wickets and the innings failed to get much impetus. The side finished on 88 after its 20 overs, Megan Gibbs top scoring with just 18. Otago was only five wickets down as it failed to find the boundary rope often enough.
Georgia Atkinson took two wickets for the Central team, which is a young side with limited experience.
Otago had to get some quick wickets early on when the visitors took to the crease but it could not put enough pressure on.
Central lost a couple of wickets in the middle stages of the innings but the target became too small to defend.
The Sparks did not help themselves by bowling 16 wides.
Hannah Rowe came to the crease to secure her side’s middle order and though she only scored 20 that was enough to get Central home.
The sides will play two more games over the weekend.
