New Zealand women hit ODI record 490 vs Ireland

NEW DELHI: Women’s cricket has been on a roll in the last two seasons, and New Zealand gave a massive push to its image on Friday by breaking the record for the highest total in ODIS in their 346-run win over Ireland.

New Zealand women amassed 490/4 in their first ODI against Ireland in Dublin, streaking past their own mark set over 20 years ago. New Zealand’s previous record of 455/5 came against Pakistan at Christchurch in January, 1997.

It was only the third time that the 400-mark had been crossed in a women’s ODI. Australia are the other team to cross the barrier, having scored 412/3 against Denmark at Mumbai in December, 1997.

India’s highest ODI total is 358/2, notched up against Ireland women at Potchefstroom, South Africa in May last year.

New Zealand’s merciless hammering of an inexperienced Ireland attack in Dublin also led to the highest total in ODIS men or women. The men’s record stands at 444/3, achieved by England against Pakistan in Nottinghmam (Aug, 2016).

New Zealand skipper Suzie Bates struck 151 (94 balls), her 10th ODI century after raising

172 for the opening wicket with Jess Watkin (62). Maddy Green (121 – 77 balls) scored her maiden century.

Teenager Amelia Kerr was unbeaten on 81. She hit 15 of the 19 runs New Zealand scored in the final over, but the first 500 in ODIS proved elusive.

“It’s unbelievable really,”

said Bates. “To set a worldrecord for men’s and women’s cricket is special and it’s going to take a bit to chase it down.”

“When it came over the loud speaker I did have a bit of a moment because you think about the hard work you have done,” Bates, who became New Zealand’s highest ODI scorer.