Melie Kerr

Stunning Amelia Kerr century lifts New Zealand to ODI win

Melie Kerr

Kerr saved the White Ferns from an early collapse, putting on 128 for the fourth wicket with Maddy Green in the middle overs, before nursing the chase home with the tail for victory over one of the favourites at the upcoming tournament.

Sister Jess Kerr completed the job for New Zealand with a swipe over the fielders at cover to ensure India's large victory target was reached with an over to spare.

Amelia Kerr's century was her second in the ODI format, hitting seven boundaries across 135 balls in a knock of outstanding control.

The No.3 came in at 35/1, with Sophie Devine and Amy Satterthwaite departing in quick succession before the 10th over as India looked to be on top.

Rebuilding with Green, the pair played with proactivity as the field moved out, churning out ones and twos to ensure the target stayed within reach.

Despite a late stumble with the loss of Green (52) and Brooke Halliday (13), Amelia Kerr carried on with Katey Martin contributing 20, before Jess Kerr kept her cool at the other end.

Earlier, India posted their highest Women's ODI total against New Zealand, making 270/6 after an electric start at the top of the order from Sabbhineni Meghana.

So often the aggressor with the bat, Shafali Verma (24 off 38 balls) played second fiddle to Meghana (49 off 50), who fell agonizingly short of a maiden half-century.

Their work was built upon by Yastika Bhatia (31), along with a partnership of 108 between Mithali Raj and Richa Ghosh.

Ghosh compiled her maiden ODI fifty at better than a run a ball, and finished with 65 before falling in the 46th over. Despite her efforts, India failed to churn out vital late-over runs at a heavy clip, finishing arguably 10 to 20 runs short of a possibly stronger total given the start.

Five bowlers shared the wickets in New Zealand's bowling effort, including Amelia Kerr who chimed in with 1/43 (8) before her batting masterclass.

Gearing up for the upcoming ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, the teams meet for the third of five ODIs on Friday.