Amelia Kerr Breaks 44-Year-Old ODI Bowling Record in New Zealand's Victory
Historic Performance by Amelia Kerr
In a remarkable display of skill, Amelia Kerr, the captain of the New Zealand women's cricket team, shattered a long-standing record during the second ODI against Zimbabwe in Dunedin on Sunday. Her exceptional seven-wicket haul led the team to an impressive eight-wicket victory, securing a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Kerr Achieves New National Milestone
Kerr's outstanding performance saw her take 7 wickets for just 34 runs, effectively bowling Zimbabwe out for a mere 102 runs at University Oval. This achievement surpassed the previous record of 6/10 set by Jackie Lord against India in the 1982 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, marking a new high for the best ODI bowling figures by a New Zealand woman.
Joining an Elite Group of Bowlers
With her seven-wicket haul, Kerr has now joined an exclusive group of bowlers, as this feat has only been accomplished seven times in Women's ODIs. She stands alongside notable players such as Sajjida Shah from Pakistan, Jo Chamberlain from England, Anisa Mohammed from the West Indies, and Australia's Alana King, Ellyse Perry, and current coach Shelley Nitschke.
Record-Breaking Bowling Figures in Women's ODIs
Here are the best bowling figures in Women's ODIs:
| Bowler | Figures | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sajjida Shah (Pakistan) | 7/4 | Japan | 2003 |
| Jo Chamberlain (England) | 7/8 | Denmark | 1991 |
| Anisa Mohammed (West Indies) | 7/14 | Pakistan | 2011 |
| Alana King (Australia) | 7/18 | South Africa | 2025 |
| Ellyse Perry (Australia) | 7/22 | England | 2019 |
| Shelley Nitschke (Australia) | 7/24 | England | 2005 |
| Amelia Kerr (New Zealand) | 7/34 | Zimbabwe | 2026 |
Match Summary: Wickets and Run Chase
In the match against Zimbabwe, Molly Penfold made an early impact with figures of 3/17, claiming the first three wickets and leaving Zimbabwe at 48/3. Kerr's entry into the bowling attack further destabilized the opposition, as she dismissed key players including Chiedza Dhururu, Modester Mupachikwa, and others in quick succession, maintaining New Zealand's dominance.
During the run chase, Kerr also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 45 runs, leading New Zealand to a comfortable eight-wicket victory and a 2-0 series lead.