Bates scores maiden T20 century
WHITE Ferns captain Suzie Bates blasted her maiden twenty20 century to briefly help her side hold the world record.
New Zealand smote 216 for one in the opening game of the T20 series, against South Africa in Taunton.
The total briefly stood as the women’s international twenty20 record before England smashed 250 for three against South Africa in the second match of the day.
New Zealand went on to win by 66 runs after restricting South Africa to 150 for six.
Bates whacked three sixes and 16 fours during a remarkable undefeated innings of 124 from 66 balls. The 30yearold is the first New Zealander to score an international twenty20 century and she went past England great Charlotte Edwards as the leading runscorer in the format with 2639 runs.
Fellow New Zealand opener Sophie Devine chimed in with 73 in a worldrecord women’s T20I partnership of 182 runs.
Bates’ century came up off just 55 balls and was the fourthfastest. Her total was the secondhighest score in women’s T20s, behind Meg Lanning’s effort of 126 against Ireland.
White Ferns coach Haidee Tiffen believes Bates is in careerbest form.
‘‘I’ve seen her bat many times in her career and that was one of the best. She is in really good form at the moment,’’ Tiffen said.
‘‘To see her pull out some shots that I know she has been working really hard on was great to see.’’