The State Otago Sparks have backed up from yesterday’s upset Twenty20 victory to beat the State Central Hinds in the State League match at Fitzherbert Park in Palmerston North.
Chasing 172 for victory the Sparks reached the target in the 48th over with only two wickets in hand.
It was the Otago all-rounders Suzie Bates and Sarah Tsukigawa who shone through again, contributing with bat and ball.
The pair shared an 80 run partnership for the third wicket and both made half centuries.
Tsukigawa was the aggressor making her 51 off 56, while Bates assumed the anchor role hitting 53 off 100.
A run off wickets toward the end of their inning gave Central hope and ensured a tense finish but the Otago tail-enders managed to scratch out the win.
Abby Burrows was the pick of the Central bowlers taking three for 19 off ten overs, including two maidens.
Earlier, Central posted 172 in an uncharacteristic batting display that saw only one player, Aimee Mason, get past 30. Mason who opened the batting made a rapid 36 off 31.
Kate Broadmore reached 21 but used 60 balls and K Sutherland made 22 with number ten batsman K Winkley giving the scoreboard some respectability by smacking 29 0ff 20 at the end of the innings.
Bates with the new ball took three for 39 with in form spin bowler Emma Campbell taking three of 27. Tsukigawa and Taylor picked up two apiece.
The win sees Otago close the gap on the top three, moving into 19 points after nine rounds – one behind third placed Canterbury and four behind Central who remain in second.
