Synopsis
Amelia Kerr's remarkable all-round performance led New Zealand to victory in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, fulfilling a long-standing dream after two runner-up finishes. She received the Player of the Tournament award and multiple ICC honors, reflecting on her journey and the belief that grew within the team during key warm-up matches.Key Takeaways
- Amelia Kerr was instrumental in New Zealand's T20 World Cup win.
- She received the Player of the Tournament award for her outstanding performance.
- The team's belief grew significantly after warm-up matches.
- Women’s cricket has seen substantial growth, inspiring future generations.
- Amelia aims to enhance her skills and contribute further to the team's success.
New Delhi, Jan 30 (NationPress) Amelia Kerr played a pivotal role in New Zealand's victory at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup held in Dubai, achieving a long-desired goal after experiencing two previous runner-up finishes.
Her remarkable performance earned her the Player of the Tournament accolade, with an impressive tally of 15 wickets, setting a record for the most wickets by any bowler in the tournament's history, alongside scoring 135 runs. Additionally, she secured two prestigious honors at the recent ICC Awards.
Amelia was awarded the Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year, becoming the second player from New Zealand to achieve this honor after Suzie Bates, and also claimed the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, making her the first New Zealander to be named Women’s Cricketer of the Year.
Looking back on the moments that sparked her confidence and that of the team in 2024, Amelia highlighted two specific matches in the World Cup: the warm-up game against South Africa, where she was the top scorer with 37 runs in an eight-wicket victory, and the 58-run win over India, where her bowling figures were 13 and 1-19.
“I think the World Cup was truly significant for the White Ferns. A key moment for the team was during one of the warm-up games against South Africa. Then, winning the first game against India instilled a strong sense of belief within the group. For me, my game preparation and process remained unchanged,” Amelia shared during a virtual conversation organized by the ICC.
“Sometimes, luck favors you, and sometimes it doesn’t. However, I had refined certain aspects of my bowling, which helped me keep things straightforward and trust in my strengths. The conditions also worked in my favor. So, while there wasn’t a definitive turning point, there was undoubtedly a strong feeling of belief that the team carried forward from a couple of those warm-up games,” Amelia added.
Following those matches, Amelia's bowling performance was remarkable, with figures of 4-26 against Australia, 2-13 versus Sri Lanka, 3-14 against Pakistan, 2-14 against West Indies, and 3-24 in the final against South Africa, where she overcame cramps to lead New Zealand to victory. A brilliant googly and the support from her spin-bowling teammates and coach Paul Wiseman were critical to her success as a leg spinner in 2024.
“The spin group we have within the White Ferns is fantastic, and I genuinely enjoy bowling alongside them. We push each other fiercely, and Paul Wiseman has been exceptional in motivating me to improve while also boosting my confidence. Much of my development in the T20 format has been about enhancing my confidence to deliver my wrong’un and more, and it all paid off,” she explained.
“As a leg spinner, I often bowl various variations, which can be challenging to execute simultaneously. However, the confidence and backing I received from the support staff were instrumental as they embraced the game plan I discussed with them.”
A week before the announcement, Amelia received a call about her two ICC awards, immediately linking her triumphs in the T20 World Cup to her past experiences. It reminded her of leading an all-boys team to victory in Wellington, which ignited her aspiration to play for the White Ferns.
“The awards are gratifying, but they aren’t my primary motivation. In my family, awards were never the focus. I vividly remember when I was around 11 or 12, our team won a competition in Wellington,” she reminisced.
“That was a significant achievement for me as I captained an all-boys team. We were the first team from Tawa to win, which was special. That moment truly solidified my desire to become a White Fern and commit to training as hard as I could to reach that goal.”
In 2010, as a nine-year-old, Amelia envisioned winning a World Cup alongside Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates. This dream became a reality in 2024, showcasing how impactful positive role models can be for aspiring cricketers.
To celebrate the team’s T20 World Cup victory, a nine-day tour spanned cities from the south to the north of New Zealand, allowing fans and young enthusiasts to meet players, take photos, and marvel at the trophy.
Amelia, who has also triumphed over mental health challenges, hopes to inspire the next generation of cricketers in New Zealand through her dual ICC awards and her crucial role in the team’s T20 World Cup success.
“I remember watching the White Ferns when I was nine years old, and that inspired me to aspire to win the World Cup. I hope that this encourages more young kids in New Zealand, regardless of gender, to represent their country in cricket.”
“The growth of women’s cricket over the years means that young girls can see it as a viable career path. New Zealand is a small nation, and the support we receive is truly special. Success stories resonate with people, and for a small country to achieve this, I hope it inspires many in New Zealand,” she added.
Amelia is viewed as a vital link connecting experienced players like Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Lea Tahuhu with a new generation of athletes, including Izzy Gaze, Rosemary Mair, and Georgia Plimmer, a sentiment she shares.
“I find myself in a wonderful position. I maintain strong relationships with the veteran players because I’ve played alongside them for nearly a decade. I’ve shared various experiences with them during that time,” she noted.
“With the emerging youth, having debuted at a young age means I’m more relatable to them in terms of age. I feel I can connect with both groups and share experiences that resonate across the spectrum.”
As 2025 unfolds, Amelia faces another busy year. She will head to India next month for the 2025 WPL with the Mumbai Indians, followed by participation in The Hundred. With India slated to host the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, all eyes will be on her to lead New Zealand once more to triumph.
Currently on her wishlist are enhancing her bowling repertoire with a slider and improving her power-hitting abilities. “No one is ever a finished product, and that’s why we continue to play — to strive for improvement. If I were 24 and claimed to have reached my peak, it would be rather disappointing. I aim to keep evolving and getting better,” she concluded.
“In men’s cricket, a 24-year-old isn’t considered at their peak, and I believe the same applies to women’s cricket. As players grow stronger and older, the focus should be on accumulating more experience. For my bowling, I aim to enhance accuracy, potentially integrate a slider, and develop greater confidence in varying my pace.”
“In terms of batting, I would like to work on my power. Enhancing my power and discovering different boundary options are areas for growth. Given the abundance of cricket being played, maintaining mental freshness and staying focused is also crucial for competing effectively,” she concluded.
