Otago can still mathematically make the semifinals of the Ford Trophy but it does not get any easier tomorrow.
The Volts must face Central Districts, a side coming off making 400-plus, and also has to deal with the short boundaries of Pukekura Park in New Plymouth.
Otago limped to its fourth straight loss against Wellington in Invercargill and form seems to have deserted in over the past couple of weeks.
With four of six teams qualifying for the semifinals, Otago could still get into the post-season play but is relying on other results going its way.
Otago coach Vaughn Johnson said no matter what the equation, his side just had to play good cricket.
''There has been a number of things, like losing guys to the Black Caps, injuries and other things. But every team gets those,'' he said.
''We just have to get out there and win some games of cricket.''
The side has made just the one change to its side - Ian Butler comes back into the 12 for Sam Blakely. Butler was made 12th man for the test in Dunedin and has been freed up to play for Otago.
The team has not combining the facets of its game and its bowling has been too loose at times as teams have racked up big scores.
Huge totals have become a regular thing over the past few games in the one-day competition.
Central Districts amassed the highest score of the lot with a mammoth 417 in its 50 overs against Northern Districts in Hamilton on Wednesday.
It ended up winning the game by only 19 runs as ND gave a gallant chase.
With the small boundaries at Pukekura Park it could be another busy day for the scoreboard attendants.
''But it is the same for both sides. They will be high on confidence but they should not take us lightly. That would be the worst thing they could do.''
Johnson said despite the four straight losses spirits were still high.
''You couldn't fault any player in that regard. It has just been our execution of things which hasn't gone that well.''
Central Districts has retained the same 12 which won on Wednesday.
Jamie How plundered 222 in that match and he will be looking to continue that good form.
Speedster Adam Milne has not made the Central Districts team as he continues to recover from a thigh strain.
Central Districts, which won the Plunket Shield, is fourth on the Ford Trophy ladder. Northern Districts is top, one point ahead of Auckland.
Otago v Central Districts
New Plymouth, tomorrow
Otago: Derek de Boorder (captain), Aaron Redmond, Michael Bracewell, Sam Wells, Neil Broom, Nathan McCullum, Ian Robertson, Jimmy Neesham, Nick Beard, James McMillan, Jacob Duffy, Ian Butler.
Central Districts: Kieran Noema-Barnett (captain), Jamie How, Jeetan Raval, Carl Cachopa, Mathew Sinclair, Bevan Small, Kruger van Wyk, Ben Smith, Tarun Nethula, Martin Kain, Ben Wheeler, Andrew Mathieson.
