According to a press release by New Zealand Cricket, the Canterbury Magicians survived a threat from Otago Sparks at Christchurch in another last ball finish at the Dream 11 Super Smash, whereas the Canterbury Kings ensured that both Canterbury teams would appear in this edition’s finals. Sparks displayed a clinical all round performance yet couldn’t get better off the Magicians, as they put all their experience into play to win a thriller at the Hagley Oval. Sparks needed 4 runs off the final ball, when Magicians captain Frankie Mackay striked with the last ball, Kate Ebrahim taking the catch to seal a tense 3 run win. This meant Canterbury Magicians overtook Wellington Blaze to occupy the prized top position on the table in a tough 3 way race to secure entry in the final. The second game saw the Otago Volts thriving for survival, while a win would qualify the Kings in top 3. The Volts got off to a solid start with star openers Neil Brom (48 off 37) and Hashim Rutherford (23 off 15). King’s leg spinner Todd Astle carried onto his purple patch and took a couple of big wickets. They set the hosts a target of 163. The Kings got off to a decent start but some tight bowling by Nathan Smith and Michael Rippon kept the pressure on. The Kings needed 8 runs per over, but several hits from McConchie reduced the chase to a manageable run a ball from the last 3 overs. The Kings thus were back in the game with McConchie making his half century as he hit the winning runs with an over left and the Volts were officially out of the competition. Wellington and Canterbury, both have their twin men’s and women’s teams into the finals. The Auckland Hearts have also qualified in the women’s league. While the Central Stags and Northern Knights are the remaining contenders for the last spots in the men’s top 3.