Wellington: New Zealand women’s cricket team pulled off the highest successful run chase in women’s one-day international history on Wednesday, defeating South Africa women’s cricket team by two wickets thanks to a superb unbeaten 179 from captain Amelia Kerr.
Chasing 347, Kerr struck 23 fours and a six in a 139-ball masterclass, guiding her side past the previous record set by India women’s cricket team when they chased down 338 against Australia women’s cricket team at last year’s World Cup.
It marked the second-highest ODI score of Kerr’s career, behind her 232 not out against Ireland women’s cricket team in 2018.
“It’s number one,” Kerr said after the match. “To get a big hundred like that in a big chase against a quality side is definitely number one.”
The 25-year-old paced the innings calmly, keeping the required rate in check before finishing the job with two balls to spare in a series-levelling win.
“When I hit the winning runs, I was pretty fizzed. It shows how much it means to me,” she added.
The teams will meet again in the series decider on Saturday.
