Auckland was the firm favourite and that was just the way Sparks coach Warren Lees wanted it.
It is his trademark move to position his side as the underdog.
He loves to foster a bit of complacency in the opposition while challenging his own side to rise to the occasion.
It worked. Otago won by three wickets to take its first title in 51 years.
Claiming the same ground has been a tough sell this season, as the Sparks swept into the final of the twenty20 tournament with four wins from five round-robin games.
The crucial eight-run win against Wellington at the University Oval last Friday secured a home venue.
It was a cracker game and the same sides will contest the final.
However, Wellington wrested back some momentum with back-to-back one-day wins against Otago at the weekend.
Lees has seized on that as an opportunity to rev his side up.
''[Wellington] would have gone away with a slightly more confident feeling after the weekend,'' Lees said.
''But the twenty20 games are quite different. With fewer overs, that allows the game to be dominated by fewer people.''
The duel between Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine should be fascinating and is likely to have a huge bearing on the outcome of the game.
''There could be a bit of that. That is why it is so key to pick up the wickets of those type of players.''
Otago celebrated with gusto when Devine holed out last Friday and Wellington was jubilant when Bates was dismissed.
Sparks wicketkeeper-batsman Katey Martin's battle with Rachel Priest is another key match-up.
Otago and White Ferns spinner Morna Nielsen has been one of the most effective bowlers in the competition.
All-rounder Leigh Kasperek has been in good form in both disciplines and Wellington's Liz Perry is a dangerous batsman.
The teams are very evenly matched but Otago has several factors in its favour.
Firstly, it is playing at home on what is a cricket weekend for Dunedin.
The final is sandwiched between the Black Caps one-dayers against Sri Lanka.
Secondly, the experience of winning last year's women's one-day title should stand the Sparks in good stead.
And finally, Bates' captaincy has been decisive, Lees said.
''I feel sorry for someone who in every single moment of every single game is in a position where they have to deliver,'' he said.
''But her captaincy has just developed so much. The fact she can make decisions now that we haven't even discussed, well, I think that is great. It is great for New Zealand and for women's cricket.''
Bates is a wonderful competitor with a strong will to win but despite that the Sparks enjoyed a relaxed environment, Lees said.
''I hope we approach the weekend with the same sort of vibrancy with which we have in a dressing room. Our girls do a lot of laughing, they arrive singing and I hope that continues.
''But underneath it all there is a quiet determination and that is important. Everyone still has to create their own white-line fever and you've still got to be out to beat the opposition.''
The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 3.
