On this day, the world witnessed the brilliance of then 17 years old Amelia Kerr who broke the 21 years old record of highest ODI score by a woman.
When Kerr broke the same, she had no idea who is Belinda Clark, let’s not blame her, she wasn’t even born when Clark scored 229*.
New Zealand was experimenting with the top-order in all the three ODIs. In the first, we saw Suzie Bates batting at the top, the next match had Sophie Devine and the third had Amy Satterthwaite. In the first two ODIs, New Zealand managed to win by 300+ margin.
In this 3rd ODI, Kerr opened the batting with Satterthwaite after winning the toss. The duo added 113 for the first wicket. Enter Leigh Kasperek.
Kasperek’s highest score before this match was 21. It was a brisk move to send her at the top and she prevailed with her maiden hundred. She scored 113 and played the anchor role for Kerr who scored an unbeaten 232. The duo also brought up the highest second-wicket partnership with 295 runs.
The team scored 440, and in return, Kerr picked up 5/17. Ireland made only 135. It was yet another massive victory for New Zealand and this time by 305 runs.
Records created:
-Amelia Kerr became the 3rd youngest to score an ODI ton in Women’s cricket.
-She is the youngest player to score 200 across formats.
-She is also the fastest ever to score 200.
-First cricketer to score 200 and pick up five wickets.
-Her 232* is the third-highest score overall.
-She is the 2nd player to score 30+ fours in one ODI innings.
- New Zealand became the first team to score three consecutive 400+ scores.
-They also became the first team to win three consecutive matches by 300+ margin.
-Kerr and Kasperek’s 295 runs partnership is the most for the 2nd wicket in women’s ODI.
Fun fact: 232 is Tawa home phone line extension, Kerr’s native; she revealed it in an interview with ESPN.
Image courtesy: Blackcapsnz/Instagram
