New Zealand’s women’s cricket team made history on Wednesday as they achieved the highest successful run chase in Women’s One Day International (WODI) history, guided by a breathtaking innings from captain Amelia Kerr. Demonstrating remarkable composure and skill, Kerr led the Kiwis to a dramatic victory over South Africa, chasing down a colossal target of 347 runs.
Batting first, South Africa, under Laura Wolvaardt’s captaincy, amassed 346 for six in their allotted 50 overs. Aneke Bash starred with a personal best 91 off 90 deliveries, striking 12 fours. Wolvaardt contributed 69, Chloe Tryon added 52, and Suné Luus chipped in with 40 runs, laying the platform for a challenging chase.
Facing a target higher than any previously achieved in women’s ODIs—surpassing the former record of 339—the New Zealand side relied heavily on their captain’s brilliance. Kerr’s unbeaten 179 runs from 139 balls, featuring 23 boundaries and a six, guided New Zealand to victory with two balls and two wickets remaining. She was ably supported by Isabella Gez, who scored 68 from just 48 deliveries.
Batting and Bowling Highlights
| Team | Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Aneke Bash | 91 | 90 | 12 | 0 | – |
| South Africa | Laura Wolvaardt | 69 | – | – | – | – |
| South Africa | Chloe Tryon | 52 | – | – | – | – |
| South Africa | Suné Luus | 40 | – | – | – | – |
| New Zealand | Amelia Kerr | 179* | 139 | 23 | 1 | – |
| New Zealand | Isabella Gez | 68 | 48 | – | – | – |
| New Zealand | Bree Lough | – | – | – | – | 3 |
| South Africa | Ayabonga Khaka | – | – | – | – | 3 |
(*not out)
Despite not claiming a wicket, Kerr’s performance with the bat overshadowed the bowling statistics, turning a challenging chase into a historic triumph. Bree Lough took three wickets for New Zealand, while South Africa’s Ayabonga Khaka also claimed three scalps.
This innings also added to Kerr’s personal legacy. Her 179 not out ranks as the seventh-highest individual score in WODI history. She already holds the record for the highest individual score in women’s ODIs, having scored 232 against Ireland in 2018, surpassing Australia’s Belinda Clark’s 229-run innings that had stood for 21 years.
The match, played at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, was crucial for the Kiwis, who were trailing in the series after South Africa’s win in the first game. Needing a win to keep the series alive, New Zealand not only achieved victory but set a new benchmark for run chases in women’s cricket.
This historic success highlights the growing competitiveness and quality of the women’s game, with New Zealand now setting the standard for chasing mammoth totals in WODIs.