Somehow Otago escaped certain defeat in Whangarei yesterday.
Let us set the scene.
The Volts batted like pork chops and were rolled for a not very meaty 132.
A little rain left Northern Districts chasing a revised target of 120 from 40 overs.
All considered, a very modest ask — a very modest ask indeed.
But never underestimate how utterly bizarre cricket can be.
Northern was strolling to victory at 96 for three with more than 20 overs to bat.
The only serious question was how quickly could they knock off the next 24 runs.
No-one was entertaining the other far-fetched option of a Volts’ win.
And yet here we are.
Otago won by one run. Can you believe that?
Volts coach Dion Ebrahim had to chuckle at that question.
‘‘Surprised? Definitely. But can I believe it? Yes,’’ he said.
‘‘I guess when you watch enough games of cricket you appreciate there are bizarre things that can happen.
‘‘Obviously, I’m just very proud of the way the guys went about it after that last couple of games where we copped some heavy defeats.
‘‘We could have stepped back and allowed the result to take care of itself. But the fight the guys showed — I couldn’t be prouder.’’
Northern Districts pace bowler Matt Fisher had a fielder in the right place just about every time Otago had a crack.
He picked up four for 34 to help dismiss the Volts for a paltry tally.
It should have been just a matter of whacking the required runs as quickly as possible to collect the bonus point. Tim Seifert crunched 45 from 44, which helped.
But some reckless batting followed as Northern looked to push for a bonus point win.
It gave the Volts an opportunity and Michael Rippon collected some cheap wickets.
Dale Phillips’ run-out of Seifert was a real turning moment. It left both ends open and the Volts went to work.
Still, you expected the home side to take a deep breath, exhaled slowly and regain their composure.
Nope. They lost seven wickets for 22 runs instead. All out for 118.
Ben Lockrose bowled Fisher for a duck to close out the most unlikely of victories and finished with three for 17.
Despite the escape, Otago is out of contention in the Ford Trophy with one round-robin match remaining.
It plays Auckland at Eden Park Outer Oval tomorrow. It will be veteran right-hander Neil Broom’s last game before he retires.
In the other games yesterday, Central Districts edged Wellington by two wickets and has claimed a spot in the final, and Auckland beat Canterbury by six wickets at Eden Park Outer Oval to remain in the hunt.
