But the Sparks lost both games to Auckland and were "just a little bit off" this weekend, coach Nathan King said.
The Sparks appeared on track to topple Auckland on Saturday morning. They were set 141 for victory but were restricted to 133 for six. The brakes went on when Bates was dismissed for 76 in the penultimate over.
In the afternoon match the White Ferns batting maestro pummelled an undefeated 106 from 66 balls to guide the Sparks through to a formidable total of 184 for one. She combined with Katey Martin (64 not out) in an unbroken stand of 153 for the second wicket.
Northern Districts chased hard but were restricted to 175 for four.
It was a good win for the Sparks but the side followed it up with a second loss to Auckland.
Bates (47) and Martin (30) provided the bulk of the runs but the rest of the order struggled. The Sparks limped through to 126 for six.
Auckland reached the target with seven wickets and more than three overs to spare.
"We were a little bit disappointed, no doubt about that," King said.
"We had a good win against ND but I certainly felt we had a team which could deliver at least one win for us against Auckland.
"But we were just a little bit off with the bat, the ball and in the field, unfortunately."
King accepted the Sparks had leaned too heavily on Bates and Martin to generate the bulk of runs and others needed to step up.
"We weren’t able to find someone else to go out there and give us a quickfire 20 or 30, so that meant we were under par with the bat. And with the bowling, just every now and then we bowled that bad ball and let the pressure off."
Emma Black was the pick of the Otago bowlers. She took two for 13 from three overs yesterday and has seven wickets in the tournament to date.
The Otago team’s next assignment is against Wellington at the Basin Reserve on Saturday. It is a double-header. The Volts play Wellington at the venue immediately after the women’s game.
King has a full squad to pick from.
"There is certainly a few stiff bodies but no injuries, which is good."
