When Amelia Kerr walked out onto the field in Dunedin on March 8, 2026, few would have predicted that the day would become a historic chapter in the record books of the New Zealand Women. The leg-spinning all-rounder produced a spell for the ages, dismantling the batting lineup of Zimbabwe Women with a remarkable seven-wicket haul. Her figures of 7 for 34 in 9.1 overs not only sealed a dominant performance but also etched her name in history as the first White Fern to claim a seven-wicket haul in Women’s One Day Internationals (ODIs). Here’s a look at the Top 5 best bowling performances in an innings for New Zealand Women in ODIs, with Kerr’s historic spell leading the list.
Amelia Kerr – 7/34 vs Zimbabwe Women (Dunedin, 2026)
Topping the chart is the unforgettable performance by Amelia Kerr against Zimbabwe Women. Bowling 9.1 overs, Kerr conceded just 34 runs while claiming seven wickets, the best ODI figures by a New Zealander. Her spell combined accuracy with attacking intent, as she consistently targeted the stumps and induced false shots from the Zimbabwe batters. She dismissed Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano cheaply for 4 and then dismissed the set batter, Modester Mupachikwa for 32. She produced a double blow in the 22nd over, picking out Christabel Chatonzwa and Adel Zimunu for ducks.
She dismissed Nyasha Gwanzura (3) to complete her five-fer and had Audrey Mazvishaya (13) for a record-equalling 6th wicket in the innings. She closed out the innings dismissing Tendai Makusha (12) caught-and-bowled, bagging a historic 7th wicket in the innings, becoming only the seventh bowler to take a 7-fer in a Women’s ODI and the first New Zealander to the feat. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 102, a target New Zealand chased down comfortably.
Jo Lord – 6/10 vs India Women (Auckland, 1982)
Second on the list is the extraordinary spell from Jo Lord against India Women from the Women’s World Cup 1982. Lord’s 6 for 10 in 8 overs remains one of the most economical and destructive spells ever delivered by a New Zealand bowler. Defending a mere target of 80, New Zealand bowled India out for just 37, with Lord claiming several key wickets including Shanta Rangaswamy and Diana Edulji. She also claimed up to tail, leading the charge and helping New Zealand to a 43-run win. For decades, this spell stood among the finest bowling performances in women’s ODI cricket.
3. Glenys Page – 6/20 vs Trinidad & Tobago Women (St Albans, 1973)
Another historic entry belongs to Glenys Page, who recorded 6 for 20 in 6.2 overs against Trinidad and Tobago Women in the Women’s World Cup 1973. This time defending a total of 197, Page led from the front, dismantling the middle-order and the tailenders after Jenny Olson and Maureen Peters removed the top 3. She was the first woman for New Zealand women to produce a 6-wicket haul.
4. Aimee Mason McNeill – 6/32 vs England Women (Lincoln, 2008)
The fourth spot is held by Aimee Mason McNeill, who produced a brilliant 6 for 32 in 10 overs against England Women in 2008. Facing one of the strongest sides in women’s cricket, McNeill’s spell demonstrated exceptional discipline and control. She dismantled England’s batting lineup with smart variations and consistent lines, proving crucial in tilting the match in New Zealand’s favour. Though Charlotte Edwards remained unbeaten on 70*, middle-order wickets of Claire Taylor, Jenny Gunn, and Nicky Shaw saw England bowled out for 138, in the chase of 261.
5. Leigh Kasperek – 6/46 vs Australia Women (Mount Maunganui, 2021)
Rounding out the list of top five and the New Zealand bowlers with a 6-fer to their name is Leigh Kasperek for her 6 for 46 against the formidable Australia Women in 2021. Kasperek’s performance was particularly impressive given the strength of the Australian batting lineup, though the team didn’t manage a win, failing to chase down 272. Notably, New Zealand claimed 7 wickets in the game with Kasperek claiming 6. With Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry, Ash Gardner, Beth Mooney, and Nicola Carey being her star-studded wickets.
While the White Ferns have produced many outstanding bowlers over the decades, Amelia Kerr’s 7-wicket haul now stands as the benchmark. The performance highlights her growing stature in international cricket and reinforces her role as one of the most impactful all-rounders in the modern game.
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