Amelia Kerr has engineered the highest successful run chase in women's One-Day International history, scoring a breathtaking 179 not out to guide New Zealand past South Africa's imposing total of 346.
In a thrilling second ODI in Wellington, the Kiwis pulled off a monumental feat, reaching 350-8 with just two deliveries remaining to level the series. The sensational chase eclipsed the previous world record established last October, when India successfully hunted down a 338-run target set by Australia.
Earlier in the day, South Africa appeared to have posted an insurmountable score of 346-6. Anneke Bosch anchored the innings with a fluent 91 off 90 deliveries, well-supported by Laura Wolvaardt's solid 69. Chloe Tryon then provided late fireworks, smashing a blistering 52 off just 25 balls to punish the Kiwi attack.
However, walking to the crease with New Zealand stumbling early at 21-1, Kerr took absolute control of the match. Her 139-ball masterpiece featured 23 boundaries and a solitary six, operating at an aggressive strike rate of 128.78. Crucially, the superstar all-rounder was aided by Izzy Gaze, who launched a rapid 68 off 48 balls to keep the required run rate within reach during the middle overs.
"It's number one," remarked Kerr, ranking the match-winning knock even higher than her historic world-record unbeaten 232 against Ireland in 2018. "To get a big hundred like that in a big chase against a quality side is definitely number one."
"I was really calm out there and just was so focused on simplifying it to each over and where we needed to be to get the job done. When I did hit the winning runs, I was actually pretty fizzed. It shows how much it means to me. I'm a pretty relaxed character with celebrations and all that stuff. But that was special."
This is not the first time the 2024 ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year has broken South African hearts. Kerr previously spearheaded New Zealand's triumph over the Proteas in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, further cementing her legacy as one of international cricket's ultimate clutch performers.