New Zealand women’s team made a world record by making the biggest run chase (347) in ODI. With the help of captain Amelia Kerr’s unbeaten 179* runs, the team defeated South Africa. With this win the series became level at 1-1.
Wellington: New Zealand women’s cricket team has made a world record for the biggest run chase in the history of ODI cricket. In the second ODI against South Africa, the ‘White Ferns’ (nickname of the New Zealand team) achieved this feat by achieving a mountain-like target of 347 runs. With this victory, New Zealand has leveled the three-match series 1-1.
New Zealand got this incredible victory due to the stormy batting of captain Amelia Kerr. Kerr played an unbeaten inning of 179 runs off just 139 balls, which included 23 fours and a six. During this time, he also got good support from Isabella Gage, who scored 68 runs. There was an important partnership of 120 runs between the two. 11 runs were needed in the last over to win. Then Kerr gave the team a historic victory by hitting fours off Nadine de Klerk with two balls remaining.
With this victory, New Zealand has broken the record of the Indian team. India had made this record by scoring 341/5 against Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup final in Navi Mumbai last year. The score of the match was like this – South Africa: 346/6 (Anneke Bosch 91, Laura Wolvaardt 69, Chloe Tryon 52*). New Zealand: 347/8 (Amelia Kerr 179*, Isabella Gaze 68).
After the win, captain Kerr said, “This is a very special win.” When South Africa was batting, we were disappointed with our fielding. But in the dressing room we were confident that this is a batting pitch and we can win.
After losing the first ODI, New Zealand has made a strong comeback in the series with this win. Now the third and last match of the series will decide who will win the trophy.