Historic Amelia Kerr century powers White Ferns to world record chase against Proteas

A mammoth, unbeaten century from the irrepressible Amelia Kerr was enough to lead the New Zealand Women to a thrilling two-wicket victory over the Proteas Women on Wednesday morning at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

In the second ODI, Kerr scored 179 not out off 139 balls as the hosts chased down 346 in a women’s world record chase. Late wickets from Masabata Klaas (2/61) and Ayabonga Khaka (3/52) were not enough for the Proteas Women to stifle the charge, with Kerr smashing three boundaries off Nadine de Klerk in the final over to secure the historic win with two balls to spare.

The 25-year-old captain carried the efforts of her team with the willow almost exclusively, scoring 23 fours and one six. The only other major contribution came from Izzy Gaze; the wicket-keeper batter crucially anchored the New Zealand innings, scoring 68 runs off 48 balls in a vital 120-run partnership.

“It’s pretty special,” Kerr said of the match afterwards.

“I think at the halfway mark we were disappointed with our effort in the field. We always knew it was a good wicket and we would always be in the game. That was the key.

“When we were in the changing room, we still believed we could win. Once I got in, I knew I had to keep going and I didn't want to give it away. To bat until the end with Gaze was outstanding. Without that partnership, we wouldn't even have gotten close. It was one of my favourite games, for sure.”

Earlier, the Proteas set the White Ferns 346/6, with Anneke Bosch leading the charge with 91 runs off 90 balls. Contributions by captain Laura Wolvaardt (69 off 74) and a quickfire half-century by Chloe Tryon further spurred on the Proteas innings.

Breearne Illing chipped away at the Proteas order, taking the wickets of Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, and Nadine de Klerk. Meanwhile, Kayley Knight took two wickets, including the all-important scalp of Bosch. Jess Kerr was the other New Zealand bowler to contribute, dismissing Sune Luus for 40 off 43.

With the three-match series locked at 1–1, the teams remain in Wellington for the decisive third and final ODI on Saturday.

Scoreboard

South Africa Women 346/6

A Bosch 91, L Wolvaardt 69, C Tryon 52; B Illing 10-1-60-3, K Knight 10-0-65-2, J Kerr 10-0-71-1

New Zealand Women 350/8

A Kerr 179*, I Gaze 68; A Khaka 10-0-52-3, K Reyneke 7-0-54-2, M Klaas 8-0-61-2

New Zealand won by two wickets