The State Otago Sparks have upset the State Central Hinds for the second time in two days in a rain affected match at Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North.
Otago compiled 202 for three in their allotted 36 overs with the usual suspects Suzie Bate and Sarah Tsukigawa doing the damage.
The White Ferns all-rounder’s shared a 130 run partnership for the third wicket before Tsukigawa was dismissed for 74. Bates, also 74, was not out at the end of the innings.
Central were all out for 201 in reply, 24 runs short of the Duckworth Lewis adjusted total.
Zara McWilliams made 58 at the top of the to get the Hinds off to a solid start with hard hitting Sara McGlashan making 50 off 51, including two sixes.
The pressure of an increasing run rate proved too much for the home side chasing not only victory but a spot in the final.
All rounder Tsukigawa was the pick of the bowlers bagging three for 19 off 5.4 with Clare Taylor and Tanya Morrison picking up two each.
Defeat means the State Central Hinds will miss out on the second place with the State Canterbury Magicians going through to the final. It was a consolation victory for Otago who finish on equal points with Central but one place behind on fourth because of run rate.
