New Zealand women’s cricket team etched a new chapter in history as they achieved the highest successful run chase in Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs), powered by a stellar performance from their captain, Amelia Kerr. Excelling with both bat and ball, Kerr led the Kiwis to an extraordinary victory over South Africa, chasing down a massive total of 347 runs.
Batting first, the Proteas, led by Laura Wolvaardt, posted a formidable 346 for six in their allotted 50 overs. Notable contributions came from Aneke Bash, who struck a personal best 91 off 90 balls with 12 fours, Wolvaardt herself scoring 69, Chloe Tryon adding 52, and Suné Luus contributing 40 runs.
Chasing a target beyond the previous record of 339 runs—the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history—New Zealand faced a daunting task. Yet, thanks to Amelia Kerr’s heroic innings, the Kiwis achieved victory with two balls and two wickets to spare, surpassing expectations and rewriting the record books.
Key Performances in the Match
| Team | Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
Amelia Kerr’s innings of 179 not out off 139 balls, including 23 fours and a six, ensured the record-breaking chase. She was ably supported by Isabella Gez, who scored 68 from 48 balls. Despite failing to take wickets, Kerr’s all-round contribution proved decisive. South Africa’s Ayabonga Khaka claimed three wickets but could not halt the Kiwi momentum.
This victory also marked another milestone for Amelia Kerr. Her 179 runs rank as the seventh-highest individual score in WODIs, adding to her record-breaking 232-run innings against Ireland in 2018—the highest in women’s ODIs at the time. That 2018 innings eclipsed the previous record of 229 by Australia’s Belinda Clark, a record that had stood for 21 years.
The match, held at Basin Reserve in Wellington, showcased the Kiwis’ resilience. Coming off a series loss in the previous encounter, they needed a win to keep the series alive, and Kerr’s brilliance ensured they not only survived but set history.
With this record, New Zealand now holds the benchmark for the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI cricket, highlighting the rising standards and thrilling competitiveness of the women’s game.