Cricket: Red-hot Melie Kerr continues dominant form in ruthless fourth ODI win over India

  • 22/02/2022

Star allrounder Melie Kerr has continued her hot run of form to lead the White Ferns to an emphatic 63-run win over India in a rain-affected fourth one-day international at Queenstown.

In a match reduced to a Twenty20 contest due to inclement weather, Kerr put on another eye-catching batting display, slaying to the tourists' attack to all corners of the John Davies Oval on her way to an undefeated 68 runs from just 33 balls - including 12 boundaries - to help her side post an imposing 191/5.

Kerr backed up her superb innings by spinning her way to match-best bowling figures of 3/32, as India crumbled for just 128 in the 18th over.

The Blaze blaster's knock comes off the back of her 67 in the third match and 119no in the second, as she fires on all cylinders heading into next month's World Cup on home soil.

The star opening pair of Suzie Bates (41) and Sophie Devine (32) got the hosts off to a blazing start, putting on 53 runs off 36 balls for the first wicket, before Kerr was unleashed at the crease.

The 21-year-old was joined by Amy Satterthwaite, who continued the trend with a swashbuckling 32 off 16 balls, including consecutive sixes.

Forced to take on the Kiwi bowlers from the outset, the Indians lost quick wickets, crumbling to 4/19 at one stage, an early blow from which they never recovered.

Seamer Hayley Jensen claimed 3/32 from her four-over spell, while Frankie Mackay chipped in 2/22.

The result gives New Zealand a 4-0 series lead and continues their encouraging form leading into next month's showpiece tournament.

They'll chase a series sweep in the fifth and final ODI on Thursday.