New Zealand all-rounder Jess Kerr reached a significant milestone on April 4, 2026, making her 100th international appearance during the third ODI against South Africa. The 28-year-old contributed with both bat and ball in a match that saw the White Ferns secure a series-clinching victory.
Batting at No. 8, Kerr added a quick 6 off 4 balls, including a boundary, helping New Zealand post a strong total of 306 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs.
Green and Halliday anchor New Zealand innings
The foundation of the innings was laid by Maddy Green, who remained unbeaten on 141 off 128 balls from No. 4, and Brooke Halliday, who made 98 off 124 at No. 5. Their partnership ensured New Zealand crossed the 300-run mark after an early wobble.
Kerr then made her presence felt with the ball, returning figures of 1 for 45 from her 10 overs as South Africa were bowled out for 240 with 23 balls remaining. The result handed New Zealand a 66-run win.
Series victory caps competitive tour
The win secured a 2-1 result in the three-match ODI series. The tour, which ran from March 15 to April 4, 2026, saw New Zealand, led by Amelia Kerr, host Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa.
New Zealand had earlier taken the T20I series 4-1 before South Africa claimed the opening ODI by two wickets. The hosts responded by levelling the series with a two-wicket win on April 1 before sealing it in the decider.
Kerr’s ODI journey and key performances
Jess Kerr made her ODI debut against South Africa on January 27, 2020, in Auckland. Over 51 ODIs, she has taken 68 wickets at an average of 25.41 and an economy rate of 4.42 across 50 innings, including two four-wicket hauls.
Her standout ODI performance came on December 11, 2022, against Bangladesh in Wellington, where she recorded figures of 4 for 23 from 10 overs, including four maidens, playing a key role in New Zealand’s eight-wicket victory.
With the bat, Kerr has scored 365 runs in ODIs at a strike rate of 109.60 and an average of 11.77 across 39 innings, contributing valuable runs from the lower order.
In the recently concluded series, she scored 44 runs at a strike rate of 176 and an average of 14.66 in three innings. With the ball, she picked up four wickets at an average of 40.25 and an economy of 5.36, placing her joint third-highest wicket-taker alongside Bree Illing and Amelia Kerr.
Contributions in T20 internationals
Kerr made her T20I debut on February 9, 2020, against South Africa in Wellington. Across 48 matches, she has claimed 36 wickets at an average of 28.22 and an economy of 6.44.
Her batting contributions in the format include 189 runs at a strike rate of 117.39 and an average of 12.60 in 24 innings, often providing useful cameos in the lower order.
Milestone reflects growing impact
Reaching 100 international appearances highlights Kerr’s development into a key all-rounder for New Zealand. Her performances across formats underline her role in strengthening the squad, as she continues to contribute with both bat and ball.
