Amelia Kerr produced a stunning unbeaten 179 off 139 balls as New Zealand completed a record-breaking chase to level the series against South Africa.
In a match that yielded 696 runs in 99.4 overs, New Zealand’s successful pursuit of South Africa’s 346 became the highest chase in women’s ODI history. The hosts finished on 350 for 8, sealing victory with two balls remaining.
Kerr anchors historic chase
New Zealand’s response to a target of 347 began on a difficult note when Suzie Bates was bowled by Ayabonga Khaka in the fifth over. Kerr settled quickly, but wickets fell regularly, leaving the hosts at four down by the halfway stage. Kayla Reyneke picked up two wickets, while Sune Luus also struck, as Georgia Plimmer, Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday were dismissed without major contributions.
Kerr eventually found key support in Isabella Gaze, the wicketkeeper-batter batting at No. 6. The pair added 120 runs in 82 balls, with Kerr contributing 47 off 34 deliveries and Gaze scoring a brisk 68 off 48 balls, including 11 fours.
Acceleration seals the game
After Gaze was dismissed by Masabata Klaas, New Zealand had regained momentum. Kerr, already well set on 113 off 97 balls, took control of the chase alongside the lower order.
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She added 23 runs at a run-a-ball in a 40-run stand with Izzy Sharp, followed by a rapid 25 off 12 balls in partnership with her sister Jess. Rosemary Mair’s brief stay ended quickly, before Kerr completed the chase with debutant Kayley Knight at the crease, finishing the match with two balls to spare.
Kerr reached her fifth ODI century — which includes a double-century — in 90 balls, and added a further 79 runs off just 49 deliveries to close out the innings.
South Africa post 346 after strong partnerships
Earlier, South Africa had reason to be satisfied with their batting effort after being asked to bat by New Zealand, who had lost the first match batting first.
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Tazmin Brits fell in the eighth over, but New Zealand had to wait until the 28th over for their next breakthrough. In between, Laura Wolvaardt (69 off 74) and Anneke Bosch (91 off 90) combined for a 132-run stand in 124 balls, putting South Africa in a commanding position.
Further contributions kept the momentum going:
- 44 runs between Bosch and Sune Luus (40)
- 34 runs between Luus and Sinalo Jafta (37)
- 40 runs between Jafta and Chloe Tryon (52*)
- 36 runs in 18 balls between Tryon and Nadine de Klerk (18)
- 25 runs in 12 balls for the unbroken seventh wicket between Tryon and Reyneke (9*)
Despite Bree Illing’s 3 for 60 and Knight’s 2 for 65, South Africa posted a strong 346 for 6 and appeared on course to secure the series before Kerr’s innings turned the contest.
Brief Scores
- New Zealand 350/8 (A Kerr 179*, Gaze 68, Reyneke 2-54, Klaas 2-61)
- South Africa 346/6 (Bosch 91, Wolvaardt 69, Tryon 52*, Illing 3-60, Knight 2-65)
- New Zealand won by two wickets
