New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr hit a stunning 179 not out off 139 balls to inspire her side to chase down 346 against South Africa in the highest successful run chase in women’s one-day international history.
Laura Wolvaardt’s 69 from 74 balls, a 91 from 90 balls by Anneke Bosch and Chloe Tryon’s 25-ball 52 helped South Africa post 346-6 in the second ODI of their series against the Kiwis.
Kerr came in at 21-1 in New Zealand’s reply and struck 23 fours and one six at a strike rate of 128.78 during her match-winning knock.
She was helped by Izzy Gaze, who made 68 from 48 balls, as the Kiwis made 350-8 in reaching their target with two balls to spare and levelling the series.
The previous highest successful chase in women’s ODI cricket was when India made 341-5 in reaching a 338 target set by Australia in their World Cup semi-final last October.
“It’s number one,” said Kerr, who holds the record for the highest individual innings in a women’s ODI with her unbeaten 232 against Ireland in 2018 when she was aged 17.
“To get a big hundred like that in a big chase against a quality side is definitely number one.
“I was really calm out there and just was so focused on simplifying it to each over and where we needed to be to get the job done.
“When I did hit the winning runs, I was actually pretty fizzed. It shows how much it means to me.
“I’m a pretty relaxed character with celebrations and all that stuff. But that was special.”
Kerr is no stranger to producing heroics, especially against South Africa, as she inspired New Zealand to victory against them in a T20 World Cup final in 2024.
She was also the ICC’s women’s cricketer of the year in 2024.