The Otago Daily Times counts down the 150 greatest moments in Otago sport.
No 76: Suzie Bates smashes a NZ record (2006)
A multi-talented sportswoman, Bates had been juggling several sports for years but announced her cricketing arrival with an incredible display of power and finesse.
It was a coming-of-age for the 18-year-old and paved the way for her selection in the national side.
Her effort surpassed Kate Pulford's record one-day score of 153 not out for Central Districts against Canterbury in the 1999-2000 season.
Those who witnessed it were in awe. But despite Bates's fine innings, it was not enough to help her side avoid defeat.
Auckland overhauled Otago's tally of 274 for four with three balls to spare to win by four wickets.
"It's frustrating to lose but it is a good feeling I guess, if you look back and don't think about the result," Bates told the Otago Daily Times at the end of the match.
"The pitch was a belter. I had a few chances at the beginning and got a wee bit lucky. But once I got in, it was feeling really good."
Bates dispatched the Auckland attack for 17 fours, the large majority of which were caressed back down the ground.
She also scampered between the wickets, putting pressure on the field and her 40-year-old batting partner.
"It was a long day but Clare Taylor ran about 100 of my runs, and she is 40, so I shouldn't show too much pain."
Bates and Taylor combined in an Otago record fifth-wicket stand, adding 109 runs, and Bates also combined with Katey Martin to break the Otago fourth-wicket record.
