The classy Otago Sparks all-rounder scored more than half her side's total and carried her team to a much-needed victory against Northern Districts.
Her fine undefeated innings of 78 from 64 deliveries helped the Sparks post a competitive 134 for six at Queens Park in Invercargill.
And despite a brave effort from Nicola Browne (37 off 32 balls), Northern Districts fell 35 runs short.
The Sparks have been the sort of side which once three down are often all out soon after.
If the key three - Bates, Sarah Tsukigawa and Katey Martin - have missed out, things have usually not gone so well for team.
So when Tsukigawa and Martin were out cheaply, the Sparks' prospects looked bleak.
But Bates kept a cool head, her score ticking along and eventually found some valuable support in the form of the experienced Clare Taylor.
The pair added 68 for the sixth wicket, a partnership broken only when Taylor (19) was run out off the last delivery, attempting to burgle an extra run.
Taylor then capped off a good day, taking three for 32 with the ball and picking up the key wicket of Browne.
Tsukigawa also claimed three wickets and had the rare pleasure of bowling a maiden.
The win has kept the Sparks slim final chances alive.
They have won three and lost four and will play Northern Districts in a one-day game today and another twenty/20 fixture on Sunday.
• Otago 134 for six (Suzie Bates 78, Clair Taylor 19, Nicola Browne two for 26) beat Northern Districts 99 for 9 (Nicola Brown 37, Sarah Tsukigawa three for 16, Clare Taylor three for 32).
