The Sparks won their first national banner in 51 years last summer but have opened their campaign with back-to-back defeats to last year's beaten finalist, Auckland, at Melville Park.
Yesterday, the Sparks were bundled out for a paltry 102. Morna Nielsen top-scored with 20 and Leigh Kasperek chipped in with 18. Neither could manage more than extras, which accounted for 23 of the Sparks' runs.
Right-arm medium-pace bowler Lucille Matthews took four wickets for 22 runs - a personal best - but was also a significant contributor to extras with five wides and three no balls.
Roz McNeill was also guilty of spraying it around. She took three for 21 but conceded seven wides.
The Sparks' final pairing of Emma Campbell (13) and Victoria Abbott (12 not out) showed some resolve, adding 29, which was a record 10th-wicket partnership against Auckland.
Auckland's chase suffered an early setback with the loss of Sam Curtis for four.
Victoria Lind (48) and Sara McGlashan (46) combined in an undefeated stand of 94 to guide their side to a comprehensive nine-wicket win.
On Saturday, the Sparks were dismissed for 174, with just Suzie Bates (68) and Katey Martin (48) able to make a significant contribution.
There were four ducks in the innings, with Regina Lili'i, McNeill and Holly Huddleston proving equally destructive. The trio picked up three wickets apiece. Lili'i's three for 25 was her best.
Auckland's chase was clinical. The home side knocked off the target with eight wickets in hand and 16.3 overs to spare.
McGlashan blasted 100 from 71 balls and went on to post her highest score of 112, passing her previous highest by one run. And she combined in an Auckland record 153-run stand for the second wicket with Curtis.
For the Sparks, Georgia Clarke and Megan Gibbs made their national one-day league debut. Nielsen bowled superbly, taking one for 14 from 10 overs.
