Suzie Bates' superb diving catch was the cherry on top of an impressive performance from the Otago Sparks, booking a spot in this year's Super Smash elimination semi with their seven-wicket over the Central Hinds this afternoon.
The former White Ferns captain helped dismiss Natalie Dodd for the third wicket of Central's innings after she dove on the run for a one-handed catch at midwicket.
That saw Central reduced to 49/3 from just under 11 overs as Otago's bowling attack continued to put pressure on at the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin this afternoon.
Central eventually finished 104/6 - a target Otago chased down with just under three overs to spare, thanks largely to the half-century of Millie Cowan, who finished the game unbeaten on 55 runs off 51 balls.
She was helped along by Amanda-Jade Wellington, who added 37 runs.
The win means the Sparks have qualified for Thursday's elimination semi-final against the Auckland Hearts at Eden Park, with the winner moving on to face the Wellington Blaze in the final.
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