Amelia Kerr described her unbeaten 179 as the best innings of her career after guiding the White Ferns to a record-breaking chase of 347 against the South Africa women’s, levelling the ODI series 1-1.
Chasing a daunting total, New Zealand needed both stability and acceleration. Kerr provided both, anchoring the innings from early on and finishing unbeaten on 179 off 139 balls. The chase gained momentum through key partnerships, most notably a 120-run stand for the fifth wicket with Isabella Gaze, whose 68 off 48 balls helped keep the required rate under control. New Zealand eventually got home with two balls to spare, completing the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history.
Speaking after the match, Kerr was clear when asked to rank the innings. “Yeah, no doubt. It’s No. 1. Yeah, I think to get a big hundred like that but in a big chase against a quality side, it’s, yeah, definitely No. 1.”
Kerr explained that her approach throughout the innings was to stay composed and break the target into manageable phases, rather than getting overwhelmed by the scale of the chase. “I was really calm out there and just was so focused on, I guess, simplifying it to each over and where we needed to be to get the job done, and then it kind of got to like 20 [22] off 15 or whatever it was, and you start to think how cool would this be if we won.
“But again, I probably didn’t have those thoughts till that moment in the game and just had to bring myself back to the present moment rather than thinking this could be really cool, making sure I get the job done.”
Her control at the crease ensured that New Zealand never fell too far behind, even as the required rate climbed at different stages. After reaching her century, Kerr had a clear plan for how to finish the chase and take responsibility deep into the innings.
“I think when I got to hundred, I looked at how many more runs [were] left to win and thought if I get another 80 runs here, and I think I looked at the balls, I thought if I get about 80 off 40 here, then we’ll get the rest of the runs through everyone else, and I can try to finish 180 not out,” Amelia said. “And that was kind of my thought process in terms of what I needed to do individually. At times you’ve got to take risks, but also at times your partner’s got to take risks, and that’s where Izzy was outstanding.”
Gaze’s contribution in the middle overs allowed Kerr to manage the chase more effectively, reducing pressure during a crucial phase of the innings. “There wasn’t run-rate pressure through that middle phase of the game as she was flying. I thought she was amazing. The way she took on the game and just played, it allowed us, I guess, to be where we were at the back end of that game even when she got out.”
Despite her typically reserved nature, Kerr admitted the significance of the moment became clear at the end. “And yeah, I thought because I was pretty calm that I wouldn’t show too much emotion. But when I did hit the winning runs, I was actually pretty fizzed. And I guess it shows how much it means to me. I’m a pretty relaxed character with celebrations and all that stuff. But that was special. And to make the series go 1-1 as well, it was an important game. There are important points, and it means a lot.”
Kerr also pointed to recent examples in the women’s game that helped build belief in chasing such a large total, referencing performances from players like Jemimah Rodrigues and Laura Wolvaardt. “I think through the 50-over World Cup, seeing the likes of Jemimah Rodrigues and her run chase against Australia, and I think the final, [Laura] Wolvaardt got a 150, and there were teams chasing big scores over there. And even though it wasn’t us doing it, I guess again seeing that helps you believe that we’re capable of doing it too.”
The innings not only levelled the series but also earned valuable points in the ICC Women’s Championship, underlining both its immediate and long-term importance for New Zealand.
(Quotes sourced from post-match press conference)
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