New Zealand’s young sensation: Amelia Kerr

We all remember MS Dhoni’s knock in the 2011 World Cup final, or Ben Stokes for his spectacular batting in the 2019 World Cup final. They were the ‘Player of the match’ in the World Cup finals and that will be remembered for a long time. They were ones who made best use of the platform and brought the trophy home. Naturally, the situation in final matches is tense, hence, performing well in such high pressure scenarios is always a remarkable achievement. Recently, the Women's T20 World Cup concluded and it was New Zealand who turned victorious. It was Player of Match- Amelia Kerr, who’s performance made a massive contribution in getting black ferns their maiden T20 World Cup title. 

Today, in this article by ZAP cricket, we will discuss the journey of this young sensation and future GOAT- Amelia Kerr. 

She is a right handed batter and right arm leg break bowler. Her playing style is quite flexible. It’s her compatibility as an all rounder that makes her an asset for any team she plays.

Early life and domestic cricket 

Born on 13 October, 2000, Kerr played domestic cricket for Wellington. A lot of people from her family played this sport, hence, cricket was in her genes. Both her parents played cricket for Wellington. Her grandfather, Bruce Murray, too played test cricket for New Zealand. Not only that, her elder sister, Jess, is also a regular player in New Zealand’s national team. Because of all these reasons, cricket came quite naturally to Amelia. Her was trained by her parents initially and they were the ones who guided this young sensation from a very young age. 

International career of Amelia Kerr

Amelia Kerr is a natural talent and New Zealand’s selectors made no mistake in sensing that. She received her maiden call in 2016. She made her ODI debut on 9 November, 2016 vs Pakistan and T20I debut on 21 November, 2016 vs Pakistan.

Major achievements in her short International career are as follows:

• In June 2018, she became youngest cricket, both male and female, to score a double century ODI 232*. It was also the third highest individual score in both men’s and women’s cricket.
• In August 2018, she was awarded with central contract 

• In 2019, she was named as Player of the Year at annual New Zealand Cricket Awards
• In March 2024, she was named the captain of national team for home series against England in ODI
• In squad that lifted the 2024 women’s T20 World Cup 
• She is the first player to be named Player of the Tournament and Player of the Match in finals

International stats of Amelia Kerr

Amelia Kerr in franchise cricket 

Because of Amelia’s popularity in the international circuit, she has conveniently entered in franchise cricket in all the prominent countries. In WPL, she was picked by Mumbai Indians for INR 1 Crore. So far she has played 19 matches, scored 364 runs and has taken 22 wickets. In The Hundred, she represents London Spirit and in Women’s Big Bash League, she plays for Brisbane Heat. 

Record in franchise cricket