Canterbury's thrashed Northern Districts by six wickets to earn the right to host the major semi final in domestic cricket's one day competition.
Canterbury left arm medium pace bowler Ryan McCone took six for 19 as ND was dismissed for 119 in the 45th over at Hagley Oval, with the hosts then reaching their target in just 27 overs and for the loss of four wickets.
The two sides will now play again in Christchurch on Sunday to decide who qualifies directly for the final.
The loser of that game will play the winner of the third and fourth playoff between Auckland and Wellington in Auckland, after the Aces beat the Firebirds by 73 runs at Eden Park, also on Wednesday.