Amelia Kerr scored a match winning century for New Zealand in the third ODI against South Africa at Durban. Her remarkable unbeaten century secured a consolation victory for New Zealand in the ODI series against South Africa after losing first two ODIs.
New Zealand’s 22-years old opener displayed exceptional form, scoring an unbeaten 100 runs from 117 balls in a rain-affected match in Durban. In the previous match played at fighting knock of 88 runs at Pietermaritzburg which went in vain. However, her brilliant performance in the third ODI led her team to a six-wicket win over the home side with 10 balls remaining.
South Africa had previously clinched the series by winning the first two matches. Due to early rain, the third game was shortened to 45 overs per side. New Zealand’s bowlers, including veterans Lea Tahuhu (3-43 from nine overs) and Sophie Devine (3-33 from nine overs), played a crucial role in restricting South Africa to a below par total of 209 runs.
Sophie Devine played a pivotal role by taking the key wicket of South African captain Laura Woolvardt who has been in good form. She struggled to score 24 runs off 54 balls. Kerr also contributed with her legspinners, taking 2-43, a key wicket of Marizanne Kapp who scored 72 off 73 balls.
Amelia Kerr’s composed century found a good partnership of 64 runs with Devine when New Zealand looked in early trouble. Later on at number 6, Brooke Halliday (37*), shared 83 runs partnership with Kerr which led New Zealand to a comprehensive victory.
South Africa did a great job in first two ODIs. It seems that they are heavily dependent on the top order to score runs. Except Kapp, no other South African batter contributed any substantial run to the total. Tazmin Brits had a bad ODI series but she would like to forget it and focus on upcoming 5 match T20I series.
Amelia Kerr is the highest run scorer of the series, amassing 210 runs in three matches at an amazing average of 105. She is followed by Laura Wolvdaart who scored 198 runs in three matches at an average of 99.
In the bowling department, South Africa’s Masabata Klaas picked 6 wickets in 3 matches followed by Nadine de Klerk who has 5 wickets to her name. The series now transitions to a five-game T20 series between the two teams. The first match will be played at East London on October 6.
