Rain 2. Otago Sparks 1. Central Hinds 0.
The weather set the agenda for two of the three days of the teams’ clash in New Plymouth but the clouds lifted for long enough on Saturday for the Sparks to record a tense three-wicket win. The visitors went "all out" in search of the bonus-point win and nearly came unstuck.
Chasing a modest 158 for victory, the Sparks lost regular wickets in their haste to rattle on the runs within 40 overs to secure the bonus point.
Katey Martin top-scored with 39 and Suzie Bates made 27 at the top, but Millie Cowan was the star, taking a career-best four for 31 and added a valuable 29 with the bat.
Her innings helped halt the momentum the home side had been able to generate with the dismissals of Bates and Martin.
"We took a bit of a gamble and nearly got into a position where we could have lost the game," Sparks coach Warren Lees said.
"We are going all out and not counting losses this year. We’ve all talked about that so [on Saturday] we went for it."
The Sparks put the Hinds in to bat and were immediately on top. White Ferns spinner Morna Nielsen picked up two quick wickets, and England international Beth Langston was dynamic in her first game for Otago. She took two for 22 from 10 overs and bowled at a brisk pace.
"She is a very, very promising player. She bowls a couple of yards quicker than anybody else in the competition and is a real asset for our team."
The Hinds had slumped to 91 for nine but a New Zealand record 10th wicket stand between Hannah Rowe (36) and Kate Baxter (32 not out) helped their side reach 157. The pair put on 66 before Rowe was bowled by Victoria Holden.
Otago was without the services of key all-rounder Leigh Kasperek. She was ruled out with a calf injury but Lees hopes she will be fit for the next round of games against Canterbury beginning in Alexandra on Friday.
In other results, Northern upset Auckland on Saturday to win by 25 runs. Auckland bounced back yesterday to win by seven wickets.
Canterbury thumped Wellington by 83 runs on Saturday and cruised to a seven-wicket win yesterday.
