New Zealand Women scripted a slice of women’s ODI history in the second match of their series against South Africa Women at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, chasing the biggest successful total ever seen in the format. Amelia Kerr produced an astonishing unbeaten 179 from 139 balls as New Zealand chased down South Africa’s target with room to spare, also surpassing the mark that India had set during the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup. The result levelled the series after South Africa were held to defeat in a chase that rewrote the record books.
Top 5 Highest Successful Run Chases in Women’s ODIs
- 347 – New Zealand vs South Africa (Wellington, 2026): NZ 350/83
- 349 – India vs Australia (Navi Mumbai, 2025): IND 341/53
- 331 – Australia vs India (Visakhapatnam, 2025): AUS 331/73
- 303 – Sri Lanka vs South Africa (Potchefstroom, 2024): SL 305/42
- 289 – Australia vs New Zealand (North Sydney, 2012): AUS 289/6
Before New Zealand’s record-breaking pursuit of South Africa, India had already produced a major statement in the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final against Australia on October 30, 2025, in Navi Mumbai. Set to chase 339, India reached 341/5 with nine balls remaining—then the highest successful Women’s ODI chase in the World Cup. Jemimah Rodrigues struck an unbeaten 127* to guide India into the final, underlining how quickly the standards have been rising in the format.
Match Summary: NZW vs SAW
In Wellington, New Zealand were asked to chase 348 and they were made to work for it from the start, with Suzie Bates departing early and leaving the hosts under pressure almost immediately. Kerr helped New Zealand steady the innings through a productive 52-run stand with Georgia Plimmer, but South Africa kept applying pressure as the home side slid to 130/4 around the midway stage.
The chase truly swung when Kerr found a formidable partner in Isabella Gaze. Together, the duo added 120 runs in only 81 balls, with Gaze supplying the rapid finishing touches—hitting a brisk 68 off 48 deliveries. Kerr then reached her fifth ODI century from 90 balls and continued to intensify the scoring, striking 23 fours and a six while maintaining a rare balance of control and aggression.
The 120-run partnership did more than accelerate the scoreboard—it shifted the game decisively. Kerr reached her fifth ODI hundred in 90 balls and then upped the tempo further as wickets fell around her, ensuring New Zealand stayed ahead of the required rate. Her innings carried her to the winning moment as she struck the boundary that sealed the result, with New Zealand finishing the chase with a couple of balls remaining.
South Africa had looked set for a strong total earlier, building a solid foundation thanks to a 132-run stand between Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch for the second wicket. Tazmin Brits fell cheaply, but the pair rebuilt patiently and kept the pressure on. As the innings approached its late stages, Chloe Tryon provided the key surge, smashing an unbeaten 52 off 25 balls to lift the total to 347—one that appeared well placed to defend until Kerr’s historic response.
Brief Scores
- South Africa Women 346/6 (Anneke Bosch 91, Laura Wolvaardt 69, Chloe Tryon 52*; Bree Illing 3/60)
- New Zealand Women 350/8 (Amelia Kerr 179*; Ayabonga Khaka 3/51)
New Zealand Women won by 2 wickets.
