NZ's Kerr hits 179 not out in record women's ODI chase

Amelia Kerr produced one of the greatest run-chases in women’s one-day international history, blasting an unbeaten 179 off 139 balls to steer New Zealand to a thrilling two-wicket victory over South Africa at the second ODI and level the series.

Set 347 to win after Laura Wolvaardt (69), Anneke Bosch (91) and a late 52 from Chloe Tryon powered the tourists to 346-6, the hosts slipped to 21-1 before Kerr and wicket-keeper batter Izzy Gaze seized control. Gaze hammered 68 from 48 deliveries to inject momentum, but it was Kerr who dominated, striking 23 fours and a six at a strike rate of 128.78. She saw the chase home with two balls to spare, finishing 179 not out and propelling New Zealand to 350-8.

The pursuit eclipsed the previous benchmark for a successful women’s ODI chase—India’s 341-5 against Australia’s 338 in last October’s World Cup semi-final—and marked New Zealand’s highest successful run chase in the format.

Kerr, who already holds the record for the highest individual women’s ODI score with her 232 not out against Ireland in 2018, labelled the innings the finest of her career.

“It’s number one,” she said. “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.”

The 23-year-old all-rounder, named the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2024, has previous history against South Africa, having inspired New Zealand to victory over the Proteas in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.

With the three-match series now locked at 1-1, attention turns to the decider as both sides prepare for another high-scoring showdown.