Wellington: New Zealand women’s national cricket team scripted history in women’s ODI cricket with a record-breaking run chase against South Africa women’s national cricket team, surpassing India women’s national cricket team’s previous world record in a thrilling contest at Basin Reserve.

Led by a sensational innings from skipper Amelia Kerr, the White Ferns chased down a daunting target of 347 to register the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history, sealing a dramatic two-wicket win and levelling the three-match series 1-1.

Kerr’s masterclass powers record chase

Chasing a mammoth total, Amelia Kerr delivered one of the finest knocks in women’s ODI cricket, remaining unbeaten on 179 off just 139 balls. Her innings was a perfect blend of composure and aggression, featuring 23 boundaries and a six.

Kerr anchored the chase from the middle overs and ensured that New Zealand stayed within touching distance of the target, even as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Her calmness under pressure came to the fore in the final over, where she struck crucial boundaries to guide her side home with two balls to spare in a tense finish.

Crucial support from Isabella Gaze

Kerr was ably supported by Isabella Gaze, who contributed a vital 68 runs. The duo stitched together a match-defining 120-run partnership that turned the tide in New Zealand’s favour.

At a stage when the chase seemed to be slipping away, their partnership restored stability and momentum, laying the foundation for the historic win.

South Africa’s strong batting effort in vain

Earlier in the match, South Africa posted a formidable 346/6 in their 50 overs. Anneke Bosch top-scored with 91, while Laura Wolvaardt added a fluent 69 at the top of the order.

A late surge from Chloe Tryon, who remained unbeaten on 52, propelled the visitors to a massive total that seemed enough at the halfway stage.

For New Zealand, Bree Illing was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three key wickets to prevent South Africa from crossing the 350-run mark.

Record-breaking moment in women’s cricket

The successful chase of 347 overtook the previous highest in women’s ODIs, held by India after their remarkable run chase in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final last year, where they scored 341/5 against Australia in Navi Mumbai.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in the evolution of women’s cricket, highlighting the growing competitiveness and batting depth across teams.

Kerr reflects on historic win

Reflecting on the victory, Kerr described the moment as “pretty special” and credited the team’s belief during the chase.

“I think at the halfway mark we were probably disappointed with our effort in the field, but we always knew it was a good wicket and you’re always in the game,” she said.

“I think that was the key — we still believed we could win, and once I got in, I knew I had to keep going.”

Conclusion

New Zealand Women’s record-breaking chase will go down as one of the greatest matches in ODI history. Amelia Kerr’s extraordinary innings not only secured a memorable victory but also set a new benchmark in women’s cricket.

As the series heads into a decider, both teams will carry immense confidence, but it is New Zealand who have the momentum after rewriting the record books in spectacular fashion.


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