The defending Hallyburton Johnstone Shield champions continued their sizzling start to the summer with two more wins at the University Oval at the weekend.
Bella James scored a sparkling 101 not out in an eight-wicket win over the Wellington Blaze on Saturday, and the Sparks followed up with a four-wicket win over the visitors yesterday.
The second win yesterday was all about a team effort as Otago set about pursuing a victory target of 191.
James completed a fine weekend with 46 off 56 balls, Caitlin Blakely swiped 54 from 64, and Polly Inglis guided the Sparks home with a lovely cameo, 42 not out off 38 balls, as victory was achieved in the 38th over.
The Sparks bowlers had earlier shared the load.
Hannah Francis (79) had threatened to lay the foundation for a big score but Leigh Kasperek (33) was the only other Wellington batter to pass 25.
On Saturday, James worked her magic as the Sparks chased down the Blaze’s total of 186 for nine with relative ease, finishing 187 for two in the 39th over.
Saffron Wilson and Blakely fell cheaply but James and captain Felicity Robertson barely raised a sweat as they took over from that point.
James was particularly strong on the off side but she also showed some innovation as she got down on one knee against the spinners to smash the ball behind square on the leg side.
She also whacked Jess Kerr for a six through midwicket and sent a blast off Francis in the same direction.
James reached her 50 off 71 balls, and rocketed to 100 — her second century in List A cricket — off 113 balls.
Robertson provided the perfect partner with her unbeaten 56 off 75 balls (five boundaries), the pair adding an unbeaten 120 for the third wicket.
Black, last season’s leading wicket-taker, had given the Sparks a wonderful start to the doubleheader when she dismissed Wellington opener Jess McFadyen with the first ball.
Wellington slumped to 65 for four before captain Rebecca Burns started the rescue job with 44.
Kerr (32) and Xara Jetly (42 not out) also chipped in to get the Blaze what, initially, seemed like a competitive total.
Anna Browning ended with career-best List A figures of four for 38 for the Sparks.
Inglis celebrated her 100th game for Otago.
The Sparks now have a break before hosting Northern in a doubleheader on December 14-15.
