The Sparks lost all three games to Auckland in the opening round last weekend and the quick turnaround meant they had only one team practice before this afternoon’s twenty20 fixture.
The home side trained last night and coach Nathan King said his team needed to find ways to play smarter.
"We have to find ways to be smarter about the way we approach our games and just continue to have that belief in ourselves," he said.
The side has relied heavily on White Ferns trio Suzie Bates, Katey Martin and Leigh Kasperek with the bat over the years.
But they were unable to have a positive impact in the series of games against Auckland. Their failure highlighted just how much Otago’s prospects hinge on a small group of players.
"It takes some time for some of the players to develop and gain confidence in their ability and really contribute.
"Players like Suzie and Katey have been playing for the Sparks for over 10 years and they have a lot of experience both at domestic and international level.
"And that is why they are playing at that level because they are quality players. There is a gap between them and the next crop of players."
Two other senior players struggled in the opening round. Former international Morna Nielsen has lost confidence and is not doing much bowling at the moment.
And England import Beth Langston was wayward in her first game for two months. She dished up too many wides but got better with each match.
King is determined to guide Nielsen through her form slump and was not concerned about Langston’s form.
"Beth was a little rusty as were a number of the players. But she is an aggressive, attacking bowler and we want her to bowl in that manner.
"The wicket didn’t suit her because of its slow nature. But she is a class player and she is going to deliver for us."
Wellington made a perfect start, beating Central Districts in all three games in round one. The visiting side has named a strong side which includes White Ferns batsmen Sophie Devine and Rachel Priest and flourishing legspinner Amelia Kerr.
The two teams will also play back-to-back one-day games at the venue this weekend.
Otago v Wellington
University Oval, 4pm today
Otago: Suzie Bates (captain), Caitlin Blakely, Katey Martin, Leigh Kasperek, Morna Nielsen, Polly Inglis, Megan Gibbs, Beth Langston, Ella Brown, Georgia Clarke, Amber Cunningham, Sophie Oldershaw.
Wellington: Lucy Doolan, Rachel Priest, Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, Eimear Richardson, Fran Wilson, Liz Perry (captain), Jess McFadyen, Caitlin King, Wheturangi Charteris, Deanna Doughty, Jess Kerr, Suzie McDonald.
