Cricket: White Ferns chase down 347 as Amelia Kerr hits stunning 179 to beat South Africa in second ODI

Amelia Kerr of New Zealand leaves the field after winning game two against South Africa at the Basin Reserve. Photo / Getty Images

The White Ferns have pulled off a remarkable world record chase against South Africa to keep their ODI series alive – thanks to a stunning 179 not out from skipper Amelia Kerr.

In the captain’s knock of all captain’s knocks, a cramping Kerr smashed three fours in the final over at her home ground, the Basin Reserve, as New Zealand chased down 347 to win game two by two wickets.

Kerr finished with 179 from 139 balls, which included 23 fours and a six. Kerr and Izzy Gaze (68 from 48) put on 120 for the fifth wicket to keep New Zealand in the hunt as the run rate required at one point went over 11.

But late wickets kept South Africa in the hunt as New Zealand needed 11 to win off the final over.

Kerr hit the first ball behind the keeper via a ramp shot before an edge to the third man boundary eased the task somewhat. She eventually secured victory over cow corner.

Earlier, South Africa made 346 for six with Anneke Bosch (91 from 90), Laura Wolvaardt (69 from 74) and Chloe Tryon (52 from 25) all making half-centuries. Bree Illing was the best of the New Zealand bowlers with 3-60.

The previous highest chase was 341 by India against Australia at last year’s Cricket World Cup, and it looked a tall order for New Zealand when Suzie Bates was dismissed in the fifth over for eight.

Enter Kerr, who brought up her fifth ODI ton and second against South Africa in the 35th over with New Zealand still 136 runs shy of the target.

She kept her composure as wickets fell around her, including those of her sister Jess, who hit a six and a four before holing out, leaving 17 needed from the final two overs. When Rosemary Mair departed a few balls later, caught at deep mid on, debutant Kayley Knight played out a single off her first ball to keep Kerr on strike.

The captain then ensured she retained strike for the final over before finishing off one of the great innings in New Zealand cricket history.