Otago is well-placed to make the twenty20 playoffs but can it host the final? Cricket writer Adrian Seconi looks at the Volts’ run-in.
One more win may be enough for Otago to seal a playoff spot.
Two might be enough to host the final.
And three — is that too much to ask for?
The good news is Otago is in control of its own fate with three round-robin matches remaining.
It has tough remaining games in that it has to play two of the other form teams.
But that is kind of good as well because wins against those sides will further bolster its prospects of hosting the final and that ought to be the goal.
The run-in starts with a return match against Wellington in Dunedin on Monday.
The Firebirds held on to beat Otago by one run at the Basin Reserve last month.
The Volts batted themselves into a position to win that game but lost two wickets in the final over and let the game slip away.
The other loss came against Central Districts in Napier on Thursday night.
The home team powered to a five-wicket win with an over to spare thanks to some big hitting from Kieran Noema-Barnett and Josh Clarkson.
But Otago was missing key seamer Nathan Smith in that match and struggled in the field at the death without the crafty 21-year-old.
The rematch is on Saturday and it is on home turf this time.
If the Volts win both those matches it will have sealed a playoff spot and potentially a home venue for the final.
The remaining round-robin game is against Canterbury at Hagley Oval on January 14.
The Kings have been struggling this season and were well-beaten in Alexandra when the sides last met.
The key to Otago’s success has been the form of his top order. Experienced openers Hamish Rutherford and Neil Broom are among the competition’s leading scorers, while Nick Kelly reached the top of the list with his knock of 45 against Central earlier this week.
Below that there is real power in Josh Finnie and experience in Anaru Kitchen. And Dean Foxcroft adds to the threat the Volts’ batting line-up boasts when he plays.
He helped Central Districts win the title last season with a fine knock of 63.
Northern Districts and Canterbury look too far back to reach the playoffs, whereas Auckland boasts too much talent to miss out.
The Aces have had some bad luck with weather and have recorded two no results.
And losses to Otago, Wellington and Northern Districts have left their campaign teetering.
They need to get on a winning run and can help out Otago with wins against Central Districts (today) and Wellington (January 12).
What’s left for Otago
Remaining round-robin games
v Wellington, Dunedin, Jan 6
v Central Districts, Dunedin, Jan 11
v Canterbury, Christchurch, Jan 14
Elimination final, Jan 17
Final, Jan 19
