The Sparks set the tone with an upset six-wicket win in a twenty/20 game on Friday and then returned the following day to completely outclass the same opponent in a one-day fixture.
Central bounced back yesterday with an 11-run win in a keenly contested twenty/20 game, but the honours belonged with the Sparks.
The home side struggled last season, finishing last in the one-day tournament and in fourth place in the twenty/20 competition. By stark contrast, Central was all-conquering, winning both tournaments and was expected to be too strong for Otago.
But the team's changing fortunes were perhaps best illustrated by Otago's comprehensive eight-wicket win on Saturday.
Central scored a paltry 125, with all-rounder Suzie Bates taking three for 31 from four overs and Natasha Miles and Sarah Tsukigawa taking two wickets apiece.
Sara McGlashan top-scored with 34 and Kate Broadmore (31) and Ireland international Eimear Richardson (25) helped Central scrape past 100.
The Sparks reached the modest target with more than 31 overs to spare, thanks to a fine 89-run opening stand by Katey Martin (58) and Kylie Crowley (25).
Central produced a much-improved batting display yesterday, whacking 160 for two. McGlashan was once again to the fore with an outstanding innings of 64 from 47 deliveries.
She combined in an undefeated 109-run stand for the third wicket with Aroha Northover (49) which helped take the game away from Otago.
The Sparks chased with good intent. Bates hit a rapid 40 at the top and Lisa Grant scored 41 off 30 deliveries. But a flurry of late wickets saw the Sparks fall short of the target.
Sparks coach Nathan King was satisfied with his team's start to the summer.
"We were a little disappointed with [yesterday's] result. We played well but just couldn't quite get there," King said.
"But we've played some really good cricket so far. We've done some really good things with the bat and in the field as well, so it is about maintaining that standard."
Otago takes a break over Christmas and will play Auckland in two twenty/20 matches and a one-day game early in the new year.
