The Otago Sparks dropped both games in their doubleheader against the Wellington Blaze in the Hallyburton Johnston Shield at the weekend.
The Sparks came agonisingly close, falling by two runs on Saturday and then lost by 35 runs in Wellington yesterday.
On Saturday, Otago spinner PJ Watkins picked up best list-A figures of four for 39 in her 10 overs.
Wellington finished 221 for nine at the end their innings.
They were just shy of their half-century when openers Hannah Francis and Georgia Plimmer were removed within five runs of each other.
Jess Kerr was the anchor with 51, but the Blaze lost wickets in clumps through the middle order.
Isla McKenzie, on debut, guided Wellington through to the 200 mark, finishing with an unbeaten 52.
Otago made a shaky start in their chase. They lost three wickets for 27 runs in the opening 13 overs. But stalwart opener Felicity Robertson settled her side and top-scored with 80 runs.
Anna Browning (46) and Emma Black (21) made good contributions down the order to give Otago a chance.
It set up an exciting finish. Youngsters Chloe Deerness and Louisa Kotkamp threw everything at it, but came up just short for the Sparks to go down by two runs.
Yesterday, Wellington got away to a flying start and Otago eventually made the breakthrough when Watkins removed Plimmer.
Browning produced a double-wicket maiden, removing Xara Jetly (17) and Kerr for a duck to put the Blaze 101 for three.
Francis was threatening when she succumbed for 92 to Black, giving the Sparks a much-needed breakthrough.
Jess McFadyn (43) carried the Blaze through, but the Sparks fought back at the death.
Black was outstanding, taking four for 21 as the Blaze finished 246 for nine.
In reply, Robertson (40) and Polly Inglis (42) made strong contributions.
But Browning was the real shining light, doing everything she could to get the Sparks home with an unbeaten knock of 53.
The Sparks were bowled out for 211.
— Northern Districts had a three-wicket win against Canterbury at Hagley Oval on Saturday and a 20-run victory yesterday.
The Central Hinds had a 42-run victory against Auckland on Saturday.
Auckland captain Maddy Green’s century helped the Hearts bounce back for a six-run victory.
