Wellington, April 1 (IANS) Skipper Amelie Kerr batting masterclass helped New Zealand pull off the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history, overhauling a daunting 347 target to defeat South Africa by two wickets in the second ODI here at Basin Reserve and levelling the three-match series 1-1.

Amelia scored an amazing 179 not out from just 139 deliveries as New Zealand surpassed India’s record for the highest successful run chase in women’s ODIs as they chased down the Proteas’ mammoth total of 346/6 with two balls remaining.

Walking in after the early dismissal of Suzie Bates, Kerr ensured the required rate remained within reach throughout the chase. She found key allies along the way, most notably in Georgia Plimmer (23) in a stabilising 52-run stand and later Isabella Gaze (68).

Gaze and Kerr combined for a 120-run stand, which proved crucial as the White Ferns survived through the middle overs. Gaze’s explosive 68 off 48 balls shifted the pressure back onto South Africa. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals late in the innings, Kerr guided the lower order with clarity.

With 11 required off the final over, Kerr took charge against Nadine de Klerk, striking three boundaries to bring the equation to zero and seal the historic win with two balls to spare.

Earlier, South Africa looked in control after posting a formidable total. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a fluent 69, while Anneke Bosch produced a commanding 91 off 90 balls. The pair built on a rapid start to lay a strong foundation.

Valuable contributions followed from Sune Luus (40) and Chloe Tryon, who provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 52, propelled South Africa past the 300 mark.

Although New Zealand’s bowlers toiled, Bree Illing stood out with three wickets, helping prevent an even bigger total.

With that total, South Africa appeared well on course for victory, but Kerr’s brilliance turned the contest dramatically. The chase surpassed the previous best India recorded in last year’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final, when they scored 341/5 in reply to Australia’s 338 in Navi Mumbai.

Brief Scores: South Africa 346/6 in 50 overs (Anneke Bosch 91, Laura Wolvaardt 69; Bree Illing 3-60, Kayley Knight 2-65) lost to New Zealand 350/8 in 49.4 overs (Amelia Kerr 179*, Isabella Gaze 68; Ayabonga Khaka 3-51, Masabata Klaas 2-61) by 2 wickets.

–IANS

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