Otago Volts hung on for a four-run win over Northern Knights at Invercargill’s Queens Park to qualify for Sunday’s State Shield semi-final.
James Marshall’s century could not haul the Knights to a third victory of the campaign, which would have denied their hosts a place in the play-offs.
After losing Craig Cumming in the opening over, Otago recovered to post 242, dismissed in the 50th over.
The innings included half-centuries by Greg Todd (63) and Nathan McCullum (67).
The Knights lost three quick wickets as their reply stumbled to 19 for three.
But the middle order lifted the pace, Marshall leading the way with an unbeaten 111.
Brad Wilson (24), Peter McGlashan (39) and Joseph Yovich (30) provided backing, but the visitors ran out of time to force victory, ending eight down for 242.
Otago now travel to Christchurch to face Canterbury Wizards at QEII Park.
