New Zealand's Rebecca Rolls becomes 12th batsman to complete 2,000 ODI runs

Rebecca Rolls salutes the crowd after reaching her maiden ODI century against Australia © Getty Images

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Rebecca Rolls on Wednesday became only the 12th batsman to complete 2,000 ODI runs on her way to a match-winning century that guided her team to victory over Australia in the women's quadrangular series in Chennai.

Rolls hit an unbeaten 87-ball 104 with 18 fours and a six, her second career century, as the White Ferns achieved their target of 261 with 30 balls to spare. Her first hundred also came against Australia in the lost Rosebowl Series game at Lincoln in 2002.

When Rolls reached 17, she joined a select group of 11 other players to have topped 2,000 ODI runs.

A modest Rolls said she was delighted her contribution had earned the White Ferns a much-awaited victory against the world champions, after Australia had won the previous series between the two sides 5-0.

"Obviously, to complete 2,000 ODI runs is a very satisfying moment but I am happier because it came in a victorious game and that too against Australia whom we have not beaten for quite some time. It was a perfect icing on the cake," she said.

"Although I believe I should have reached the milestone much earlier, I am still honored to join the select group for whom I have the highest respect and regard."

Rolls praised the efforts of Sarah Tsukigawa (42 not out) with whom she added 108 runs in an unbroken fifth wicket stand.

"Sarah batted brilliantly and not only helped me play one of my best innings but also ensured we came through," she said.

As for her own innings, Rolls felt conditions in Chennai were very much in her favour.

"I like to get after the bowling and Wednesday's conditions suited my batting style. We were chasing a big total on a good pitch with a quick outfield," she said.

After achieving one of the two personal milestones that was in the offing for her, Rolls is now targeting her 100th cap and is just one game away from achieving the landmark.

"The important thing is to get going and the records will come. But yes, I am excited about the prospect of playing my 100th game on Friday (against England at Chepauk) and will again try to make it a special one," she said.

Others with 100 or more ODIs are New Zealand's Debbie Hockley and Australia's Belinda Clark (118 caps each), Englishwomen Clare Taylor (106) and Jane Smit (105), Australia's Cathryn Fitzpatrick (103), Emily Drumm of New Zealand (101), Australian captain Karen Rolton (102), and Anjum Chopra (101) of India.

The other two teams in the quadrangular, India and England, also met on Wednesday with the home side securing an 18-run win.

The quadrangular series runs between 21 February and 5 March with each team playing the three other line-ups twice each.

Further details, plus information on women's quadrangular series can be found here