Amelia Kerr scored a stunning unbeaten 179 as New Zealand chased down a target of 346 against South Africa in Wellington to complete the highest successful run chase in women’s one-day international history.
The historic two-wicket victory levels the series after the hosts successfully reached 350-8 with just two deliveries remaining.
Arriving at the crease with her side struggling at 21-1, the reigning ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year anchored the monumental pursuit.
The 24-year-old all-rounder smashed 23 fours and a solitary six during a masterful 139-ball innings.
South Africa set imposing target
Earlier in the day, the visitors had seemingly batted themselves into an unassailable position.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt set the foundation for the Proteas with a composed 69 from 74 balls.
Anneke Bosch accelerated the scoring with 91, before Chloe Tryon added late fireworks via a blistering 25-ball 52 to propel her team to 346-6.
Gaze support secures historic milestone
The previous highest successful chase in the women’s 50-over format occurred last October when India overhauled a 338-run target set by Australia in a World Cup semi-final.
To eclipse that record, the White Ferns required vital lower-order support alongside their talismanic batter.
Izzy Gaze provided exactly that, contributing a crucial 68 from 48 balls to keep the required run rate manageable.
This latest achievement adds to an already glittering resume for the Wellington native.
The prolific scorer previously inspired her nation to T20 World Cup glory against the same opposition in 2024.
She also continues to hold the overall record for the highest individual score in women’s ODI cricket following her monumental 232 not out against Ireland in 2018.
Tiger Woods’ decision to step away from golf and seek help could lead to a powerful new role shaping the sport’s future, according to analyst Brandel Chamblee.
The 15-time major champion recently indicated he would be taking a break from the game to focus on his personal wellbeing.
Former professional golfer and current television pundit Chamblee believes this pause could ultimately cement the American’s legacy off the course.
A new chapter for the golfing icon
Instead of focusing solely on competitive comebacks, the 50-year-old could now transition into a guiding figure for the next generation.
The legendary player has already taken on considerable leadership responsibilities, particularly during ongoing negotiations regarding the professional game’s future.
Chamblee suggests that prioritising his health will allow the former world number one to become a highly influential elder statesman.
Shifting mindset and seeking help
Acknowledging the need for assistance represents a significant shift in mindset for such a fiercely competitive athlete.
While fans may see less of him inside the ropes, his long-term impact on the sport’s direction may be more profound than ever before.
Former champion Michelle Wie West is ending her three-year retirement to compete at the US Women’s Open in California this June.
The 36-year-old last featured on the LPGA Tour at the exact same major three years ago.
She intends to utilise her final year of eligibility for the prestigious tournament, which begins on 4 June at Riviera in Pacific Palisades.
Champions typically receive a 10-year exemption, but the Hawaiian-born golfer saw her stint extended until 2026 to account for maternity leave.
A fitting farewell at an iconic venue
Announcing the move on social media, the five-time tour winner expressed her profound excitement to return to competitive golf.
“With one final year of eligibility from my victory in 2014 and the championship headed to an iconic venue that means so much to me, I am excited to announce that I’ll be teeing it up at the US Women’s Open at Riviera in June.”
The celebrated former prodigy originally claimed her sole major triumph at Pinehurst in 2014.
Overcoming physical struggles
Rising to international prominence at an incredibly early age, the young star was once tipped to emulate the dominant success of 15-time major winner Tiger Woods.
She became the youngest player to win an adult USGA championship at 13, and subsequently made the cut at an LPGA major aged just 14.
However, after enduring more than two decades in the intense sporting spotlight, the mother of two stepped away from the game.
At the time of her departure, she cited that her body could no longer cope with the physical rigours of professional golf.
This major comeback follows a recent announcement that she will also participate in the inaugural women’s TGL team golf league later this year.
Tiger Woods has told Florida authorities he was distracted by his mobile phone and radio moments before a rollover car crash led to his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The 50-year-old’s vehicle flipped onto its side after clipping a truck near his Jupiter Island residence last Friday.
A probable cause affidavit from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office detailed the events preceding the incident.
Sobriety tests and hydrocodone discovery
Investigators noted the 15-time major champion exhibited bloodshot, glassy eyes and extremely dilated pupils at the crash scene.
The golfing icon was also described as sweating profusely, lethargic and slow in his movements.
He agreed to perform standard field sobriety exercises following the collision.
Officers subsequently discovered two hydrocodone pills inside his trousers pocket.
Driver distraction cited as crash cause
The former world number one stated he did not realise the vehicle ahead had reduced its speed.
Instead, he admitted to looking down at his mobile device to change the radio station immediately prior to the impact.
The American sportsman firmly denied consuming any alcohol on the day of the crash.
When questioned by authorities about prescription medication, he acknowledged taking earlier doses.
“I take a few.”
He confirmed to deputies that this medication had been consumed earlier that morning.
Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer lay undiscovered for 82 minutes after a fatal crash at the 2024 Road World Championships in Zurich, investigators have found.
The 18-year-old died from a serious head injury after leaving the road in wet conditions during the junior road race.
An official investigation by the Zurich Public Prosecutors’ Office has concluded there was no evidence of criminal conduct or negligence by organisers.
Hidden in the undergrowth
The talented young rider crashed on a familiar route close to where she grew up, coming off the tarmac into a wooded area.
Race marshals stationed along the 45.7-mile course did not see the incident occur.
The injured cyclist lay hidden in the undergrowth and was not visible from the road.
Prosecutors stated the accident happened at approximately 11:04 local time, entirely out of sight of support vehicles, officials and spectators.
Due to the lack of an automated reporting system, the injured athlete was not discovered until 12:26.
Tracking technology changes
At the time of the tragedy, world governing body the UCI did not permit live tracking or radio communication in the World Championships.
Such vital safety measures are routinely utilised in major professional stage events like the Tour de France.
Following the disaster, the international federation mandated GPS trackers for the 2025 championships in Rwanda to ensure rider whereabouts are constantly monitored.
Cyclists’ union president Adam Hansen previously told BBC Sport that implementing this technology was an easy solution that should have arrived years earlier.
Recent safety concerns
Medical responders reached the scene within minutes of the teenager finally being located, providing immediate care before she was airlifted to University Hospital Zurich.
In tribute to the late rider, her race number 84 has been permanently retired from women’s junior road events.
The Swiss investigation’s findings arrive just days after British star Tom Pidcock suffered a remarkably similar unseen crash.
The Q36.5 rider fell into a ravine during a fast descent at the Volta a Catalunya, remaining invisible to broadcast cameras and race organisers.
However, the two-time Olympic mountain bike champion was able to use his team radio to call for help, ultimately surviving the ordeal.
Caster Semenya has vowed to challenge the newly introduced International Olympic Committee gender testing policy, claiming it undermines women’s rights.
The double Olympic champion stated the regulation is an attack on female dignity and pledged a vocal fight against its implementation.
Unveiled last week, the IOC protocol is expected to become a universal standard for female elite sports competitors following years of inconsistent guidelines.
‘Enough is enough’
The South African athlete has long been embroiled in a protracted legal battle with World Athletics over her eligibility to compete.
Semenya has a Difference of Sexual Development (DSD), a condition encompassing rare variations affecting genes, hormones and reproductive organs.
Speaking from Pretoria, the 35-year-old urged female athletes to stand up for themselves against governing bodies dictating their participation.
“We’re going to be vocal about it, we’re going to make noise until we’re heard,” Semenya said.
“Now it’s a matter of women standing for themselves to say, enough is enough. We are not going to be told how to do things.”
The science and the protocol
The new IOC testing protocol for all female category athletes will involve a standard cheek swab or saliva analysis.
Further investigation will be triggered for any competitors testing positive for the SRY gene, which is located on the Y chromosome.
The organisation’s policy document argues that including androgen-sensitive XY-DSD athletes in female events requiring power or endurance fundamentally contradicts fairness and integrity.
However, the three-time world champion disputes the scientific basis of the stance, insisting her success stems entirely from hard work rather than biological advantages.
“If really we are accepted as women to take part, why does my appearance or my voice, why do my inner parts need to be a problem to take part in the sport?” she asked.
“I’ve been there, I’ve done that. There’s no such thing as [an advantage].”
Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes Rory McIlroy’s Masters title defence could be hindered by recent back injuries and demanding off-course obligations at Augusta.
The five-time major winner returns to Georgia next month to defend the Green Jacket he claimed after a dramatic play-off victory over Justin Rose.
However, his preparation has been severely disrupted by physical setbacks and tournament withdrawals.
After a promising runner-up finish at February’s Genesis Invitational, the 36-year-old was forced to pull out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a back complaint.
Disrupted preparations and recovery
He subsequently managed four rounds at The Players Championship but finished a distant tie for 46th place.
That underwhelming performance prompted a bold decision to take three full weeks away from competitive action ahead of the first major of the year.
“He got disrupted in Florida and it really cost him two tournaments,” McGinley told Sky Sports News.
“Bay Hill, where he was doing OK after two rounds and had to pull out with a back injury, and the following week when he actually did play, but with no preparation.”
Augusta’s unique off-course pressure
Beyond physical concerns, McGinley highlighted the gruelling schedule demanded of a reigning champion at Augusta National.
The traditional Champions Dinner, alongside appearances at the Drive, Chip and Putt finals, add significant extra-curricular strain to the week.
“There are so many obligations you have as a defending champion, not just hosting the dinner on Tuesday night for past champions,” McGinley added.
“So there are a lot of obligations, a lot of pressure, a lot of scrutiny, but I guess nothing like he had last year when he was on the verge of trying to win a Grand Slam.”
Future major opportunities
Despite the daunting build-up, McGinley remains confident that the world number two is still a genuine contender.
Nevertheless, the former European captain suggested that the Northern Irishman’s strongest opportunities to win a major will arrive later in the season.
The world’s leading female amateur golfers have gathered in Georgia this week to compete for the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur title ahead of The Masters.
Forty-eight of the top 50 players in the global rankings are scheduled to feature in the elite 72-player field.
Amateur world number one Kiara Romero headlines an international line-up representing 23 different countries.
Nearly half of the participants will be making their maiden appearance at the highly anticipated event.
Tournament format and prestigious venues
The opening 36 holes will be contested across the Island and Bluff nines at Champions Retreat Golf Club on Wednesday and Thursday.
Following the initial two rounds, the entire field is invited to play a practice round at Augusta National on Friday.
Only the top 30 competitors and ties will advance to Saturday’s final round, which takes place on the iconic course that hosts The Masters.
If players are tied after 54 holes, the champion will be crowned via a sudden-death playoff.
International contenders and past champions
Last year’s runner-up Asterisk Talley enters the tournament as a strong favourite after an impressive showing on the professional circuit at the Ford Championship.
Patience Rhodes is the sole English representative in the 2026 edition, looking to follow in the footsteps of previous British winner Lottie Woad.
European interest is also bolstered by Ireland’s Beth Coulter and Spain’s Paula Martin Sampedro, who previously secured a top-10 finish at the AIG Women’s Open.
Former champions Rose Zhang and Jennifer Kupcho have successfully transitioned to the LPGA Tour since lifting this prestigious trophy.
The tournament was launched with the intention of having a significant and lasting impact on the future of the women’s game.
Rigorous qualification pathways
Entry to the esteemed competition is strictly limited to players who meet stringent criteria and maintain their amateur status.
Reigning champions of major amateur tournaments, including the US Women’s Amateur and the Women’s Amateur Championship, receive automatic invitations.
The top 30 American players in the World Amateur Golf Ranking at the close of 2025 were also guaranteed a place.
A further 30 spots are allocated to the highest-ranked international players, with special committee selections completing the line-up.