Based on current form, that is unlikely. The 23-year-old, who bowled non-stop in the nets for more than an hour yesterday, is the competition's joint leading wicket-taker with 13 scalps (at an average of 13.69 and a strike-rate of 12.9). He shares that honour with Otago team-mate Jacob Duffy, Auckland veteran Andre Adams and Northern Districts seamer Brent Arnel.
But what elevates Beard's record is his outstanding economy rate. He has bowled 28 overs for just 178 runs at an economy rate of 6.35. In a game where anything less than eight runs an over is a win for the bowler, Beard's results have been excellent.
He also picked up his first four-wicket bag at this level when he took four for 16 against Wellington just before Christmas.
Beard puts his success down to the development of a decent yorker and the position his team has tended to be in when he has come on to bowl.
''It is a lot easier as a spin bowler when your team is going well,'' he said.
''We've had a situation where we had 200 on the board and the opposition has had to go after it and I've got wickets through that pressure.
''Also, the bowlers up front have done a really good job as well, so when I've come on through the middle overs, the pressure is already on.''
Beard usually comes into the attack when the fielding restrictions have been lifted at the end of the sixth over.
But with most of the country's grounds being on the small side, the margin of error is painfully thin. Even good deliveries get hit over the rope.
A sound knowledge of the opposition and where particular batsmen like to hit the ball is an area of Beard's game he has worked on tirelessly this summer.
''My rhythm is good but this year I've been clearer in my bowling plans. I guess that comes with experience. I sort of know what the batsmen's strengths are now after having played against them for a couple of years.
''Also, I've been working on a yorker. It is something I've gone to if I've got into a little bit of trouble. In previous years, I didn't really have anything to fall back on.
''Now, if I see a batsman coming at me, then I know I've practised it in the nets and can go to it. So again, it is about having those plans in place and being clear on what I'm doing.''
Wellington will host Auckland in the preliminary final tonight. The winner will play Otago in the final on Sunday. Otago has beaten both sides twice this season but Beard believes each team presents a different challenge.
''Obviously, Wellington have got the Ryder [Jesse Ryder] factor and Auckland have the experience at this level.
''On Saturday, we'll know who we are playing and we'll be able to make plans then.''
Otago will name its team tomorrow. There is likely to be only one change, with James Fuller replacing Brett Lee in the playing XI.
