Central Districts defied Auckland's bid to dismiss them for less than 131 runs in order to qualify to host the final of the State Insurance Cup on Saturday.

The game, between Canterbury and Auckland, will be played at the Village Green at QEII Park in Christchurch. The two teams finished equal on points but Canterbury's run rate was 1.059 and Auckland's was 0.995.

Auckland, batted first at Melville Park with only 37 overs to play with after rain delayed play and reached 179/8.

Shelly Fruin scored 54, Emily Drumm 37 and Rebecca Rolls 25. Extras also totalled 25.

Erin McDonald was the best of the Central Districts bowlers with four for 31.

CD fought hard with Natalie Thessman scoring 36 and Sara McGlashan 27 as they reached 161/8 at the end of their 37 overs. Clare Nicholson took two for 15 from eight overs and Kathryn Ramel two for 26 from her eight.

In Dunedin, a thriller was played out before Otago claimed their second victory over Northern Districts in as many days.

Tthere was a delayed start before Northern Districts was all out for 197. Victoria Brown scored 66, Ann Williams 39 and Katherine Spence was 20 not out.

Clare Taylor took three for 38 in her 10 overs while Rachel Pullar had one for 27 from her 10.

Rachel Pullar led Otago's response with 58 runs while Natalie Bannerman scored 23. Jan Hall also scored 18. Going into the last over of the game with the final Otago pair at the wicket, six runs were needed.

The runs were whittled down until Otago had two balls to score the one run needed. They did it with the first of the balls.

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