Otago put final beyond Auckland’s reach

Auckland wicketkeeper Tariel Lamb watches as Otago captain Leigh Kasparek dabs at the ball during their rain-shortened women’s Super Smash game at the University of Otago Oval yesterday.

You had to feel for Auckland. It needed to beat Otago to slip into the final ahead of Canterbury.

But poor weather saw the game reduced to six overs apiece, which is a real lottery.

The visitors managed 50 for five, but Otago import Alice Davidson-Richards blasted 25 not out from 18 to help clinch a nine-wicket win in 5.2 overs.

Wellington and Canterbury will play the final on January 20.