On June 13 2018, 17-year-old Amelia Kerr carved her name in the annals of cricket history by delivering the highest individual score in women’s One-Day Internationals. Playing against Ireland in Dublin, the young New Zealand all-rounder scored an unbeaten 232 off just 145 balls, eclipsing the 21-year-old record of 229* set by Belinda Clark in 1997.
Kerr’s previous highest ODI score was merely 30, making her achievement even more remarkable. In her sensational innings, she struck 31 fours and two sixes, becoming only the second woman to score a double century in ODIs.
It all started after White Ferns decided to stop their England-bound caravan in Ireland for a series that turned into a run-fest for the team. New Zealand had already clinched the series with massive scores of 491/4 and 418 in the first two ODIs, breaking records along the way. In the final ODI, they aimed to continue their dominance.
Final over drama and a record-breaking innings!
Opening the innings, Kerr initially took a backseat to her partner, Amy Satterthwaite, who scored a quick 61. After Satterthwaite’s dismissal, Kerr began to accelerate, reaching her half-century with a stylish cover drive. Her first century came in the 27th over with a boundary off Rachel Delaney. But Kerr was far from finished.
By the time she completed her double century, she was the youngest cricketer (17 years and 243 days) to achieve this feat in international cricket, surpassing Pakistan’s Javed Miandad. Entering the final over on 217, Kerr needed 13 runs to surpass Clark’s record.
With a flurry of boundaries and a final six, she ended with 232*, setting a new benchmark. Her innings propelled New Zealand to 440/3, marking their third consecutive 400+ score in the series—a first in ODI history.
Kerr’s contributions weren’t limited to batting. She also took 5/17, leading New Zealand to a 305-run victory. Finishing the series as the top scorer and wicket-taker, Kerr’s performance earned her the Player of the Series accolade, scoring 342 runs at a strike rate of 156.88 and taking eight wickets. This remarkable day remains a testament to her extraordinary talent and potential.
Also read: Saqlain Mushtaq picked up a World Cup hat trick against Zimbabwe in 1999