Finnie usually stays seated until the death overs in twenty20 games. But the Volts called on the talented right-hander much earlier and were rewarded with a sparkling innings.
He has threatened to play similar knocks in previous seasons, but has found ways to get out.
But he has always possessed a wonderful array of attacking strokes and the Volts’ faith in his abiilty returned another dividend.
His 50 came up off 24 balls and he rescued Otago from a potentially tricky spot at 82 for three.
"It was an outstanding knock, particularly in the circumstances," Volts coach Rob Walter said.
"The innings was hanging in the balance really and he was able to keep his strike rate up close to 200 pretty much the whole time with a great display of timing and shot-making which was awesome to see."
Pace bowler Michael Rae nabbed three wickets but it was a solid bowling display across the board for Otago.
Canterbury made a hash of the chase. The visiting side lost too many early wickets and was bowled out for 139.
The Volts had to rejig their line-up, so they had a longer tail than usual.
A hip injury to all-rounder Nathan Smith meant Travis Muller had to come into the side
But it was not a simple swap. Muller is a qualifying player and Otago already had two qualifying players in the line-up in Dean Foxcroft and Michael Rippon.
Three is one too many according to the rules, so Foxcroft had to make way for Muller. That opened up a spot for Dale Phillips.
None of it was ideal. The Volts have been playing good cricket and changing a winning side was not a priority.
When in-form Otago opener Neil Broom got a leading edge in the first over of the game, the Volts reworked batting order was put to the test.
Anaru Kitchen was promoted to No3 and played a 16-run cameo before finding the fielder at cover.
Hamish Rutherford helped put the double setback in the past with a breezy innings of 37. And fellow left-hander Nick Kelly continued his fine form with 27 from 21.
Phillips could not get going but Finnie put the mustard in the sandwich.
He brought up what was his first T20 half-century with a six off Will Williams.
Canterbury lost three quick wickets and their plight got worse when veteran all-rounder Andrew Ellis was run out without facing a ball.
Cameron Fletcher and Joe Carter hung around and put on 59 for the sixth wicket. But Canterbury never threatened to overhaul the target.
The win has allowed the Voltsto move back to the top of the standings. They are potentially one win away from securing a playoff berth.
At Eden Park Outer Oval, Wellington rolled Auckland by seven wickets and is in second place.
