State Otago Volts confirmed their play in State Shield play-offs with a five-wicket victory over State Canterbury Wizards at Dunedin.
A 58-run partnership from 48 balls between Neil Broom (55) and Gareth Hopkins (46 not out) led the home team to victory, chasing down Canterbury’s 232 for six in 47.1 overs.
Michael Papps had set the visitors on their way with 62 from the top of the order, but three wickets in five overs slowed the run rate.
An eight-over stand of 60 between Carl Frauenstein (48) and Kruger van Wyk (29) put hastened the scoring and set a competitive total.
Seamer Nic Turner and leg-spinner Aaron Redmond claimed two wickets each.
The Otago response began steadily, but Broom’s stand of 60 with Greg Todd (29) set the platform.
Broom and Hopkins then raised the pace, with the wicketkeeper remaining unbeaten and launching two huge sixes to set up victory.
Otago’s victory and State Wellington Firebirds’ win over State Central Stags mathematically confirmed the Volts place in the post-season.
They now host Wellington in the final round at Invercargill’s Queens Park, where a win should see them earn a place in the final.
