New Zealand got the better of Zimbabwe in the second Women’s ODI courtesy of captain Melie Kerr record breaking seven wicket haul, thereby leading from the front.
The Spell
Kerr bowled a match-winning spell of 7 for 34, which decimated the Zimbabwean batting lineup, a team that is looking for its first win on their tour of New Zealand, having already lost the T20I series that preceded the ODI leg of the multi-format tour.
The Record
Kerr broke the record of former New Zealand bowler Jackie Lords for the best bowling figure by a New Zealand bowler in Women’s ODI cricket, who picked up six wickets while conceding only 10 runs in her spell against India in the 1982 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
The List
Melie Kerr joins an elite list after his bowling figures of 7 for 34, containing players who have a seven-wicket haul in the history of Women’s ODI cricket. The list is led by Pakistan’s Sajjida Shah, who picked up a seven for against Japan back in 2003, with 7/4 being her exact figures.
The Performance
Only seven bowlers have managed to pick seven wickets in an ODI match in the history of Women’s cricket, two of which havecome in the last two years
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While Kerr picked up seven wickets against Zimbabwe in 2026, Australian spin bowler Allana King picked up seven wickets against South Africa in 2025.
The Names
Another name who is still active in international cricket and is a part of the list is Australian fast bowling all-rounder Ellyse Perry, who picked up a seven-wicket haul against arch rivals England in 2019.
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The Result
As mentioned above, New Zealand won the match against Zimbabwe comprehensively and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series and will look to win the last match as well, scheduled to be played on Wednesday (March 11).
Captains’ Knock
In addition to performing with the ball, Kerr also contributed with the bat as well while opening the innings. New Zealand’s captain scored 45 runs in quick time, off 40 balls to be precise, and played a crucial role in getting her team over the line with eight wickets in hand.
The Impact
The win in question augurs well for New Zealand, who are going through a period of transition with several senior players retiring from international cricket and would aim to continue the momentum that they have on their side by winning the last game as well.
| Sajjida Shah (Pakistan) | 7/4 vs Japan, 2003 |
| Jo Chamberlain (England) | 7/8 vs Denmark, 1991 |
| Anisa Mohammed (West Indies) | 7/14 vs Pakistan, 2011 |
| Alana King (Australia) | 7/18 vs South Africa, 2025 |
| Ellyse Perry (Australia) | 7/22 vs England, 2019 |
| Shelley Nitschke (Australia) | 7/24 vs England, 2005 |
| Melie Kerr (New Zealand) | 7/34 vs Zimbabwe, 2026 |
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