Isabelle Gaze, Amelia Kerr power New Zealand to series-clinching win

New Zealand's top order delivered again, securing a 2-0 lead in the three-match WT20I series with a dominant win over Zimbabwe on Friday.

Captain Amelia Kerr scored 82 off 52 balls, while Isabella Gaze outscored her with an unbeaten 85 off 54. Their partnership propelled New Zealand to 196 for 1.

Gaze, replacing the ruled-out Georgia Plimmer, took on the aggressor role early. Kerr started slowly but accelerated in the 10th over, hitting four fours and later a six. Zimbabwe's bowlers struggled for consistency, and fielding errors compounded their issues.

Gaze built her innings with conventional strokes before introducing reverse-sweeps for boundaries. "I looked at the way Melie played in the first game and looked at aggression at the top of the order," Gaze said post-match.

Zimbabwe's chase never gained momentum, losing opener Nyasha Gwanzura early. Bree Illing and Jess Kerr struck early blows, allowing New Zealand to introduce spinner Nensi Patel in the Powerplay. Zimbabwe's innings meandered, with only two batters reaching double figures.

Patel, after two dropped catches, finished with 2-11. Debutant Kayley Knight also took two wickets, maintaining a tight line. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 86 in 18.3 overs, handing New Zealand a 110-run victory—their second-biggest win by runs—and the series.

Brief scores: New Zealand Women 196/1 in 20 overs (Isabella Gaze 85*, Amelia Kerr 82) beat Zimbabwe Women 86 in 18.3 overs (Nensi Patel 2-11, Jess Kerr 2-17) by 110 runs.