1st T20I: Amelia Kerr's record-breaking ton powers New Zealand Women to commanding win over Zimbabwe

ANI
26 Feb 2026, 01:02 GMT+10

Hamilton [New Zealand], February 25 (ANI): Amelia Kerr's record-breaking century on her captaincy debut has powered New Zealand women to a commanding 92-run win over Zimbabwe in the first T20I on Wednesday.

The New Zealand all-rounder became the first-ever to score a women's T20I hundred on her captaincy debut. It was Kerr's first triple-digit score in the format, and only the third instance of a White Ferns player doing so in the format's history.

After being asked to bat first in the opening fixture of the three-match series, the White Ferns skipper Kerr came out all guns blazing with the bat.

Kerr hammered an unbeaten 101 off 51 deliveries; the right-handed batter smashed 19 boundaries, scoring at a strike rate of 198.03.

Kerr also stitched an unbeaten 159-run partnership for the second wicket with Isabella Gaze, who made 66 off 50 deliveries, including six fours.

New Zealand posted a daunting score of 202/1 in 20 overs. In response, Zimbabwe Women were restricted to 110/4, losing the one-sided contest by 92 runs. Beloved Biza remained not out on 49 off 55 deliveries, with five fours.

Kerr recently took over as the all-format captain from Sophie Devine, who had announced her ODI retirement at the end of last year's ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

The White Ferns will be hoping for their captain and ace all-rounder to continue her form as they head into the first-ever 12-team T20 World Cup in June-July.

Slotted in Group B, alongside hosts England, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Scotland and Ireland, they will play their first match on June 13 at the Hampshire Bowl against the Windies. (ANI)

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Kenya Star.

More Information

Africa

Section

1st T20I: Amelia Kerr's record-breaking ton powers New Zealand Women to commanding win over Zimbabwe

Hamilton [New Zealand], February 25 (ANI): Amelia Kerr's record-breaking century on her captaincy debut has powered New Zealand women...

Du Plessis backs Abhishek to play "an amazing innings" during T20 World Cup, urges batter to shut out outside noise

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 25 (ANI): Former South African cricketer Faf Du Plessis said that while teams are figuring out...

T20 WC: Ryan Burl confirms Sikandar Raza's availability for Super Eight clash vs India

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], February 25 (ANI): Zimbabwe all-rounder Ryan Burl confirmed that skipper Sikandar Raza is fit and available...

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza 15 runs away from reaching landmark of 3000 runs in T20Is

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], February 25 (ANI): Veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza is just 15 runs away from becoming the first Zimbabwe...

T20 WC: Powell, Hetmyer chase career-defining milestones ahead of clash against SA

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], February 25 (ANI): West Indies star Rovman Powell is 58 runs away from toppling Nicholas Pooran to become...

Abhishek Sharma retains top spot in latest ICC Men's T20I batting rankings despite dismal run in T20 WC

New Delhi [India], February 25 (ANI): Indian opener Abhishek Sharma continued to stay at the top position in the latest ICC Men's T20I...

World

Section

"I was born on same day India formally recognised Israel, happy returning to land to which always felt drawn": PM Modi in Knesset

Jerusalem [Israel], February 25 (ANI): Affirming India's close ties with Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday noted that...