New Zealand Women produced a historic chase in Wellington, overhauling 347 to defeat South Africa in the 2nd ODI and register the highest successful run chase in Women’s ODI history. The match was defined by quality batting on both sides, but ultimately belonged to Amelia Kerr, whose unbeaten 179 off 139 balls anchored one of the greatest chases in the format.
South Africa’s 346 for 6 was a near-perfect batting effort. Laura Wolvaardt laid the platform with 69 off 74 balls, striking eight fours and a six while maintaining control through the early overs. She was complemented by Anneke Bosch, who played a crucial innings of 91 off 123 balls, including 12 fours, keeping the scoring rate above a run-a-ball through the middle phase.
The late acceleration came from Chloe Tryon, who produced a rapid 52 not out off just 25 balls. Her innings came at a strike rate above 200 and included clean hitting in the final overs, lifting South Africa beyond 340 and putting significant pressure on New Zealand. At that point, the total looked well beyond reach given the history of chases in the format.
New Zealand’s reply began steadily, with early partnerships ensuring the innings did not collapse under pressure. However, the chase quickly became centred around Kerr. Walking in early, she absorbed the initial pressure and focused on maintaining the required rate. She reached her half-century in controlled fashion before accelerating into the middle overs, ensuring that New Zealand stayed in touch with the asking rate. The key partnership came with Izzy Gaze, who scored 68 off 60 balls with eight fours. Gaze’s ability to rotate strike and find boundaries allowed Kerr to build her innings without taking unnecessary risks.
Kerr’s knock was defined by its structure. She brought up her century and then shifted gears significantly in the final phase. Her scoring rate increased as the innings progressed, and she began to find boundaries with greater frequency while still maintaining control. Despite wickets falling at the other end, she managed the chase expertly, farming the strike and ensuring that the equation remained achievable. New Zealand crossed 200 inside 33 overs and entered the final stretch with the required rate still manageable. Kerr’s composure stood out in the closing overs as she guided the team through pressure moments. She finished unbeaten on 179, taking New Zealand to 350 for 8 in 49.4 overs and sealing a two-wicket victory.
Highest successful run chases in Women’s ODIs:
- 350/8 – New Zealand vs South Africa, Wellington, 2026
- 341/5 – India vs Australia, Navi Mumbai, 2025
- 331/7 – Australia vs India, Vizag, 2025
- 305/4 – Sri Lanka vs South Africa, Potchefstroom, 2024
- 289/6 – Australia vs New Zealand, North Sydney, 2012
Kerr’s innings comes as part of a sustained run of form since taking over the captaincy. Her last ten scores read 15, 45, 80, 78, 32, 30, 31, 105, 36, now followed by 179 not out. The consistency across this stretch highlights her control and ability to deliver in different match situations. She has combined stability with impact, regularly converting starts into significant contributions. She also sits at the top of the ICC Women’s T20I all-rounder rankings, reflecting her influence across formats. However, this innings stands apart for its context and execution. Chasing a total above 340, maintaining a strike rate above 125, and finishing unbeaten under pressure places it among the most complete ODI performances.
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