Amelia Kerr's Unbeaten 179 Powers New Zealand to Historic ODI Chase

Amelia Kerr's unbeaten 179 off 139 balls led New Zealand to a record-breaking chase, surpassing South Africa's 346/6 to win by 2 wickets and level the series 1-1. Kerr's innings included 23 fours and a six, and she received crucial support from Isabella Gaze (68). This is the highest successful run chase in women's ODI history, breaking India's previous record of 341/5 against Australia. The result hardly seemed like when New Zealand, faced with a chase of 347, lost Suzie Bates in the fifth over, bowled by Ayabonga Khaka. Amelia settled in fast, but by the midway stage, New Zealand were four down, Kayla Reyneke striking twice and Sune Luus once as Georgia Plimmer, Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday all fell without making a significant contribution. Amelia Kerr and Isabella Gaze formed a match-winning partnership ! Their 120-run stand off 82 balls was the turning point, with Gaze's enterprising 68 and Kerr's explosive 47 in 34 balls. Gaze's departure didn't faze Kerr, who went on to smash 179* and lead NZ to a record chase. And then, with the lower-order batters for company, Amelia did what she had to: speed up. She scored a-run-a-ball 23 in a 40-run stand with Izzy Sharp, then 25 in 12 balls with her sister Jess, Rosemary Mair came and went, and then Amelia finished the job in the company of debutant Kayley Knight with two balls left. Amelia had reached her century - her fifth in ODIs, which includes a double-century - off 90 balls, and the 79 she scored after that came off just 49 more. South Africa was cruising along nicely ! NZ's decision to bowl first seemed to backfire initially, with Wolvaardt and Bosch putting on a solid 132-run partnership. Bosch's 91 and Wolvaardt's 69 set a great foundation, and SA looked like they'd post a big score . Match Highlights: New Zealand's Innings: 350/8 in 49.4 overs & South Africa's Innings: 346/6 in 50 overs, Top Scorers: Amelia Kerr (179*), Isabella Gaze (68), Anneke Bosch (91), Laura Wolvaardt (69)