Amelia Kerr claims 7 for 34 and scores a quick 45 as New Zealand secure an eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in just 45.3 overs in Dunedin.

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New Zealand sealed the ODI series against Zimbabwe with an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the second match at University Oval in Dunedin, thanks to a sensational all-round performance from Amelia Kerr. The New Zealand captain produced a remarkable bowling display, claiming seven wickets before contributing a rapid 45 runs with the bat to guide her team to victory with a game to spare.

After New Zealand had already taken the lead in the series with Brooke Halliday’s unbeaten 157 in the first ODI and completed a 3-0 sweep in the T20I series, Kerr took centre stage in the second match.

Winning the toss, Kerr opted to bowl first. Zimbabwe began steadily with openers Kelis Ndhlovu and Modester Mupachikwa adding 25 runs before Ndhlovu retired hurt, halting the visitors’ early momentum. From there, New Zealand’s bowlers quickly took control.

Molly Penfold made the initial breakthroughs, striking three times between the 11th and 15th overs. She dismissed Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Beloved Biza and Loreen Tshuma, leaving Zimbabwe struggling at 48 for 3.

Kerr then took over the attack. She removed Chiedza Dhururu in the 18th over and continued to dominate the Zimbabwe batting line-up with her leg-spin. Apart from a brief ninth-wicket stand of 19 runs between Audrey Mazvishaya and Tendai Makusha, Zimbabwe’s innings never recovered. No other batter reached double figures as Kerr finished with outstanding figures of 7 for 34, while Penfold supported with 3 for 17.

Chasing a modest target, New Zealand started confidently despite losing Isabella Gaze in the sixth over for 20 from 22 balls in an opening stand of 34 with Kerr. The captain continued her impressive performance, smashing six fours and a six in a brisk 40-ball 45.

By the time Kerr was dismissed in the 13th over, New Zealand needed only 20 more runs to secure victory. Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday calmly completed the chase without any trouble.

The match concluded in just 45.3 overs, underlining New Zealand’s dominance. The final ODI of the three-match series will be played on March 11.