Nicola Browne and Louise Milliken’s partnership engineered a 34-run win for State Northern Spirit at Melville Park which denied State Auckland Hearts another State League final appearance.
Having won the toss and batted, ND slumped to 90 for five in the 30th over, before their White Ferns duo united at the crease.
The pair’s unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 138, made in only 74 minutes off 123 balls, helped their side to 228 for five – beating their previous best against Auckland, earned in the first match of their double header a day earlier.
Browne's unbeaten 94 included eight fours and equalled her highest score, while Millken's 60 not out, from 57 balls, beat her previous best of 36 not out.
Auckland, needing to win to ensure their place in next Saturday's State League final, struggled from the start against the pace and accuracy of Milliken.
Although Rebecca Rolls scored 32, and Michelle Lynch scored her second 50 at this level, wickets fell regularly without any big partnerships.
Natalee Scripps scored a quick 24, but Auckland's effort ended when Prashilla Mistry was bowled with the score at 194, Milliken collecting her third wicket at a cost of only 16 runs.
