New Zealand Women Achieve Historic Highest Chase in ODI History, Surpassing India's Record
New Zealand Women Achieve Historic Highest Chase in ODI History, Surpassing India's Record
In a thrilling encounter at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand Women pulled off an extraordinary victory against South Africa Women in the second ODI, leveling the series 1-1 while etching their names in the annals of women's cricket history.
Chasing a daunting target of 348 runs—South Africa's imposing total of 347—the Kiwi side overcame early setbacks to complete the highest successful run chase in women's ODI history. Amelia Kerr was the undisputed hero, remaining unbeaten on a sensational 179 off 139 balls, featuring 23 boundaries and a six. Her innings included a masterful acceleration after reaching her fifth ODI century off 90 deliveries.
The chase began shakily for New Zealand, with opener Suzie Bates dismissed early, piling pressure on the hosts. Kerr partnered with Georgia Plimmer for a crucial 52-run stand to stabilize the innings. However, South Africa struck back, reducing New Zealand to 130/4 at the halfway stage. The momentum shifted dramatically through Kerr's 120-run partnership with Isabella Gaze, who contributed a brisk 68 off 48 balls. This explosive alliance, amassed in just 81 balls, propelled New Zealand closer to the target.
"Kerr brought up her fifth ODI century off 90 balls before accelerating further, striking 23 fours and a six in a masterclass of controlled aggression," highlighted the match narrative. It was Kerr who sealed the victory with a boundary off the penultimate delivery, finishing at 350/8 with two wickets in hand.
Earlier, South Africa set the tone with a formidable batting display. After losing Tazmin Brits cheaply, Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch forged a 132-run second-wicket partnership, with Bosch top-scoring on 91 and Wolvaardt making 69. Chloe Tryon then unleashed a late onslaught, remaining unbeaten on 52 off just 25 balls, helping South Africa reach 347/6. Bree Illing was the standout bowler for New Zealand, claiming 3/60.
This triumph surpasses India's previous record, set during the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup semi-final in Navi Mumbai. On October 30, 2025, India chased down 339 against Australia to win by 5 wickets with 9 balls to spare, propelled by Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten 127. That chase had stood as the highest in women's ODI history until New Zealand's feat.
Top 5 Highest Successful Run Chases in Women’s ODIs
- 347 - New Zealand vs South Africa (Wellington, 2026): NZ 350/8
- 339 - India vs Australia (Navi Mumbai, 2025): IND 341/5
- 331 - Australia vs India (Visakhapatnam, 2025): AUS 331/7
- 302 - Sri Lanka vs South Africa (Potchefstroom, 2024): SL 305/4
- 289 - Australia vs New Zealand (North Sydney, 2012): AUS 289/6
Brief Scores: South Africa 346/6 (Bosch 91, Wolvaardt 69, Tryon 52*; Bree Illing 3/60) | New Zealand 350/8 (Amelia Kerr 179*; Ayabonga Khaka 3/51). New Zealand won by 2 wickets.
This historic chase not only levels the series but also underscores the growing competitiveness in women's cricket, with chases becoming bolder and more frequent.