She became the third New Zealand woman to score a T20I hundred, after Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine

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New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr marked her first series as full-time skipper in spectacular fashion, smashing her maiden T20I century to power the White Ferns to a commanding 92-run win over Zimbabwe in the opening match of the bilateral series in Hamilton on Wednesday.

Amelia Kerr’s Record-Breaking Century Powers New Zealand to 202/1

After being put in to bat, New Zealand posted a daunting 202 for 1 in their 20 overs, with Kerr leading from the front. The 23-year-old remained unbeaten on 101 off just 51 deliveries, producing a masterclass in controlled aggression. Her innings featured 19 boundaries and was sealed with a dramatic sprint for two off the final ball, bowled by Tendai Makusha, to bring up her hundred.

In doing so, Kerr became only the third New Zealand woman to score a century in T20 Internationals, joining the elite company of Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine. Notably, Kerr’s ton was the quickest among the trio, underlining her dominance.

She found an able partner in wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze, who struck an unbeaten 66 off 50 balls. The duo stitched together an unbroken 159-run stand for the second wicket off just 89 deliveries — New Zealand’s highest-ever second-wicket partnership in women’s T20Is. The stand surpassed the previous record of 142 set by Bates and Devine.

Zimbabwe’s only breakthrough came in the powerplay when Nyasha Gwanzura dismissed Georgia Plimmer for a brisk 33 off 20 balls. However, that early success proved to be their sole highlight with the ball.

Zimbabwe Struggle in Steep Run Chase

Chasing 203, Zimbabwe’s innings faltered almost immediately. Openers Kelis Ndhlovu and Nyasha Gwanzura were dismissed for ducks within the first two overs, courtesy of disciplined spells from Bree Illing and Jess Kerr.

Beloved Biza offered resistance with a patient unbeaten 49 off 55 deliveries and shared a 50-run partnership with captain Josephine Nkomo. Despite their efforts, the required run rate kept escalating, and Zimbabwe eventually finished on 110 for 4, well short of the target.

Amelia Kerr capped off a memorable all-round performance by claiming 2 for 14 in her four overs, further stamping her authority on the contest.

Historic Series Between New Zealand and Zimbabwe

This match also carried historical significance as it marked the first-ever international series between New Zealand and Zimbabwe in women’s cricket. The three-match T20I series in Hamilton will be followed by a three-match ODI series in Dunedin.

Notably, this was only the fourth T20I New Zealand have played without either Suzie Bates or Sophie Devine in the XI. Bates is sidelined with a quadriceps injury, while Devine was unavailable for selection.

With Amelia Kerr delivering both with bat and ball, New Zealand have made a powerful statement at the start of this landmark series.