Amelia Kerr delivered a remarkable unbeaten 179 off 139 balls at the Basin Reserve, guiding New Zealand to the highest successful run chase in women’s ODIs and helping her side level the series against South Africa.
Set a daunting target of 348 in the second ODI, New Zealand suffered an early setback with Suzie Bates dismissed in the fifth over. Kerr then combined with Georgia Plimmer to add 52 runs and stabilise the innings during the early stages of the chase.
Kerr and Gaze turn the game
At 130/4 around the halfway mark, following the dismissal of Brooke Halliday, South Africa appeared to be in control. However, Kerr found strong support in Isabella Gaze, who produced a quickfire 68 off 48 deliveries to shift the momentum.
The pair put together a decisive 120-run partnership in just 81 balls, turning the contest in New Zealand’s favour. Kerr reached her fifth ODI century off 90 balls before accelerating further as the chase gathered pace.
She struck 23 fours and one six, first anchoring the innings and then taking on the attacking role, ensuring the required run-rate remained within reach despite wickets falling at the other end. Kerr eventually sealed the result herself, hitting the winning boundary with a couple of deliveries remaining.
South Africa set imposing total
Earlier in the match, South Africa posted 347, built on a 132-run partnership for the second wicket between Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch. After the early dismissal of Tazmin Brits, the pair rebuilt the innings steadily.
Chloe Tryon added late impetus with an unbeaten 52 off 25 balls, lifting the total to what appeared to be a winning score.
Brief Scores
- South Africa 346/6 (Bosch 91, Wolvaardt 69, Tryon 52*; Illing 3-60)
- New Zealand 350/8 in 49.4 overs (Kerr 179*; Khaka 3-51)
- New Zealand won by two wickets
