Amelia Kerr is one of the brightest talents in women’s cricket today, known for her exceptional all-round abilities. Her journey from a cricket-loving family to the international stage is an inspiring story of passion, dedication, and talent. In this post, we’ll explore her early days, family background, debut in international cricket, career highlights, and her outstanding performance in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Amelia Kerr: Early Days and Family Background
Born on October 13, 2000, in Wellington, New Zealand, Amelia Kerr grew up in a family with deep cricketing roots. Her father, Robbie Kerr, was a first-class cricketer for Wellington, and her mother, Jo Murray, also played cricket at the domestic level. Amelia’s grandfather, Bruce Murray, was a former New Zealand Test cricketer, making cricket a big part of her life from an early age.
Amelia and her older sister, Jess Kerr, who also plays for New Zealand, were immersed in cricket from childhood. Encouraged by their family’s love for the sport, the sisters developed their skills early. Amelia’s natural talent quickly shone through as she began to make a name for herself in school cricket and local competitions.
Debut in International Cricket
Amelia Kerr made her international debut at just 16 years old, playing for New Zealand (the White Ferns) in a One Day International (ODI) match against Pakistan in November 2016. Her debut marked the beginning of a promising career as a talented leg-spin bowler and a useful batter.
From her first game, Amelia showcased her control and accuracy with the ball, often picking up key wickets in tight situations. Though her batting was secondary initially, it soon became a major part of her game, making her a true all-rounder.
Amelia Kerr Career Highlights
One of Amelia Kerr’s most iconic moments came on June 13, 2018, during a Women’s ODI match against Ireland. She made history by scoring 232* runs off just 145 balls, becoming the youngest cricketer—male or female—to score a double century in ODI cricket. This knock also set a new record for the highest individual score in women’s ODI history. In the same match, she took 5 wickets for 17 runs, demonstrating her all-round brilliance.
Amelia has been equally impressive in T20 cricket, playing a key role for the White Ferns in various ICC Women’s T20 World Cup tournaments. Her ability to perform under pressure with both bat and ball has made her one of New Zealand’s most reliable players.
Standout Performance in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup
Amelia Kerr’s career hit new heights during the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, held in Dubai from October 3 to October 20. She was a standout player throughout the tournament and was awarded the prestigious Aramco Player of the Tournament award. Her performances were crucial in New Zealand’s campaign, which ended with them winning the title for the second time.
Amelia played a key role in both the batting and bowling departments, scoring 135 runs in six innings. Her highest score of 43 came in the final, a match where every run mattered. However, it was with the ball that she truly shone. Kerr took 15 wickets during the tournament, finishing as the leading wicket-taker. Her 3 for 24 in the final, including the crucial wickets of South Africa’s star batters Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch, was the turning point of the match. This outstanding performance helped New Zealand secure a memorable victory, adding another ICC title to their collection.
A Bright Future Ahead
At just 24 years old, Amelia Kerr has already achieved remarkable success in international cricket, and her future looks even brighter. Her performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup cemented her status as one of the top all-rounders in the game. She continues to inspire young cricketers around the world with her dedication, humility, and incredible skill.
With many more years of cricket ahead, Amelia Kerr’s story is far from over. As she continues to grow and evolve, fans can look forward to many more unforgettable moments from this rising star of New Zealand cricket.
Also read: The Highest ever team total in T20 Internationals
