Kerr breaks world record as New Zealand win again

Amelia Kerr, the 17-year old from Wellington, re-wrote the record books and dominated the Ireland Women's bowling attack in a third consecutive win for the White Ferns.

Despite her young age, Kerr was playing in her 20th WODI, and in this series had already posted scores of 81* and 29. Today she was completely dominant, carrying her bat through the entire innings and smashing a world-record for women's cricket of 232* (145 balls; 31 x fours, 2 x sixes). Along the way she became the youngest centurion for her country.

Overshadowed, but no less impressive, was Leigh Kasperek who scored 113 runs (105 balls; 10 x fours) - her maiden international century. Kerr and Kasperek put on a partnership of 295 for the second wicket, and ensured the White Ferns posted a score in excess of 400 runs for the third match in a row.

The New Zealand total of 440-3 off 50 overs was always going to be a stretch for the young Ireland side. There were good batting performances by Una Raymond-Hoey (42 runs off 68 balls - her highest international score), Shauna Kavanagh's (29 off 60 balls) and Jenny Gray (17* off 44 balls), but almost to script the bowling performance of the day was by Kerr who followed up her massive score with a 5-wicket haul (5-17 off 7 overs).

Ireland finished on 135 all out, and Kerr was subsequently awarded the Player of the Series award.

On a bright note for the season ahead, Ireland welcomed Kim Garth back onto the field after a lay-off from injury. Garth fielded well and batted, giving hope to her side that the Women's Big Bash League-star is getting back to full fitness leading into the Bangladesh series and Women's World T20 Qualifiers in July.