Kerr’s White Ferns World Record
Skipper Amelia Kerr guided New Zealand to a record run chase and in doing so scored over half the runs from her own bat.
In the second ODI between New Zealand and South Africa at the Basin Reserve, Wellington, the visitors were looking to extend their 1-0 lead in the match series after winning the first match by two wickets, courtesy of some final over pyrotechnics from Kayla Reyneke.
Amelia Kerr won the toss for the White Ferns and sent the Proteas in to bat. She may have regretted that decision as the visitors piled on 346/6 after their fifty overs, courtesy of half centuries to Anneke Bosch (91), Laura Wolvaardt (69) and Chloe Tryon (52*).
To Win, You Need to Break a Record
The highest run chase in an ODI prior to this match was 339 by India against Australia on 30th October 2025. Prior to that it was 331 by Australia v India 18 days earlier. These two teams provided a template for chasing down big totals.
New Zealand lost Suzie Bates (8) when the score was 21 and Georgia Plimmer (23) when the score was 73. Maddy Green (13) and Brook Halliday (14) supported the skipper, but at 130/4 needing over 8 runs an over for the last 24 overs, it looked grim for the home team. Izzy Gaze joined Kerr and played a blockbusting knock of 68 to keep the White Ferns in the game.
Kerr passed the 100 run mark in the 35th over and in doing so scored her fifth ODI century, putting her fourth all time best for New Zealand, after Bates (13), Sophie Devine (9) and Amy Satterthwaite (7).
At 250/5 New Zealand still needed 96 from 12 overs, with Kerr the only remaining top order batter. To make things worse, the skipper was beginning to cramp and needed regular medical treatment for the rest of her innings.
Jess Kerr (14) and Rosemary Mair (2) came and went, leaving the captain batting with just the tail. Still needing 11 runs in the final over, cramping, farming the strike and a few lusty blows, Amelia Kerr completed the job for the White Ferns with two balls to spare, her final shot taking the score to 350/8. New Zealand broke the record for the highest run chase on the back of a captain’s knock for the ages.
Kerr’s 179* is the second highest score by a New Zealand player in ODIs. She also own the top spot with 232 not out. Her recent elevation to the captaincy sits well with her.
Scores
South Africa 346/6 (Anneke Bosch 91, Laura Wolvaardt 69, Chloe Tryon 52*, Bree Illing 3-60) lost to
New Zealand 350/8 (Amelia Kerr 179*, Izzy Gaze 68, Ayabonga Khaka 3-51) by two wickets
