The defending Hallyburton Johnstone Shield champions were almost unbeatable last season.
They had one forgivable lapse during an otherwise dominant campaign, which culminated in a thrilling win against Auckland in the final in Dunedin.
Where has that team gone?
They need to rediscover the resolve and the hunger that carried them to the title last season — their third in four years.
They play a double round of games against Central Districts in Palmerston North this weekend and find themselves under enormous pressure.
They are winless after four rounds and anchored at the bottom of the standings.
They were clobbered twice by Auckland and lost both games against Northern Districts.
Two more losses this weekend and it is curtains.
The Hinds (13 points) have won three of their four games and are in a logjam at the top of the standings with Auckland (14 points) and Northern Districts (13 points).
Emma McLeod has led the way with the bat for them. She has posted 208 runs at an average of 69.33.
But their bowling stocks have been hammered. White Ferns duo Rosemary Mair and Hannah Rowe have been ruled out with injury.
That will provide some relief for the Otago batting lineup, which has struggled to make an impact.
Saffron Wilson (129 at 32.25) has been the best of the Otago batters so far.
White Ferns duo Polly Inglis, who will captain the South Island team in the T20 series next week, and Bella James have been in underwhelming form, while the captain, Felicity Robertson, is struggling for runs as well.
Anna Browning and Caitlin Blakely have shown some starch, but the Sparks have been disappointing with the bat.
They have also been pedestrian with the ball and given up too many extras.
Experienced swing bowler Emma Black is the notable exception. She has eight wickets at an average of 16.25. She has also been the most economical of the regular bowlers.
The Sparks have sorely missed White Ferns spinner Eden Carson, who will miss the entire season because of an elbow complaint.
Coach Gareth Davies has included bowler Anika Todd for the first time this season, as she looks to push for further opportunities.
In the other games, Auckland will host Northern Districts and Canterbury is at home to Wellington.
Following the weekend’s matches, the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield will hit the pause button and return in February once the Super Smash has been completed.
