The Auckland Hearts have grabbed the last berth in this weekend's Hallyburton Johnstone Shield final.

The Otago Sparks looking unstoppable in the HBJ Shield after a sixth straight bonus-point victory.

Women's T20 World Cup winner Suzie Bates returns to the Otago Sparks for the first time this season.

Bonus-point victories put the Otago Sparks top of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield after the opening weekend.

The Ford Trophy will open NZ's domestic summer of cricket, with the competition to start on October 20.