New Zealand 196 for 1 (Gaze 85*, A Kerr 82) beat Zimbabwe 86 (Dhururu 20, Nensi 2-11, J Kerr 2-17, Knight 2-25) by 110 runs
Kerr’s stint as full-time New Zealand captain had started with a 92-run win two nights ago, and New Zealand only bettered that with another strong show in Hamilton.
Opening in T20Is for the first time, Kerr scored 82 off just 52 balls to set the platform for a strong total. She had hit her maiden T20I century in the first game and continued her good run of form. Alongside wicketkeeper Gaze, she added 163 for the opening wicket, the second-highest for New Zealand in T20Is. Kerr and Gaze had added a record 159 for the second wicket in the previous game.
Gaze finished unbeaten on a 54-ball 85, her highest score in the format, as New Zealand posted 196 for the loss of Kerr’s wicket. After she was dismissed, though, New Zealand could score only 33 runs in the last 23 balls with Izzy Sharp making an unbeaten 22 off 14 balls.
Zimbabwe, who are touring New Zealand for the first time, never challenged the target as they were bowled out for 86.
While Zimbabwe lost just two wickets in the powerplay, they scored only 30 runs. But they then lost 7 for 49 in the middle overs with newcomers Nensi Patel and Kayley Knight making their presence felt. Knight was on international debut and sent back Loryn Phiri caught and bowled for her maiden wicket.
Only Kelis Ndhlovu and captain Chiedza Dhururu entered double-digits for the tourists, who will also play a three-match ODI series, their first as part of the ICC Women’s Championship, following the T20I series.
The third T20I will be played on Sunday at the same venue.
