Half-centuries by Neil Broom and Gareth Hopkins led State Otago Volts to a vital five-wicket win over State Central Stags at Palmerston North.
Broom (87) and Hopkins (56) led Otago’s successful chase of 275 with nine balls to spare.
CD may consider themselves unlucky, having set a competitive total for the loss of seven wickets batting first.
BLACKCAPS all-rounder Jacob Oram led the way with an unbeaten 70 from 69 balls, building on a 70-run stand between openers Jamie How (19) and Geoff Barnett (48).
Oram then enjoyed a 69-ball stand of 89 with Brendon Diamanti, who launched into the visiting bowlers with 60 from only 35 balls, powering his way to three fours and a quartet of sixes.
Bradley Scott and Craig Cumming picked up a pair of wickets each, hauls emulated by Oram and Robbie Schaw for the Stags.
Otago lost Jordan Sheed (19) within five overs, but fellow opener Craig Cumming pushed on for 46.
Broom contributed to important partnerships of 85 with Greg Todd (35) and 72 with Hopkins, who led his side to victory with 56 from just 39 balls.
The win returns the Volts to the automatic place for the final, and leaves the Stags requiring victories from their last two games to return to the knockout stage.
