New Zealand’s star all-rounder, Melie Kerr, has been crowned the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year for 2024. This incredible achievement comes after an unforgettable year where Kerr played a major role in New Zealand’s historic victory at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Her stellar performances with both bat and ball have placed her among the greatest in women’s cricket.
At just 24 years old, Kerr has etched her name in cricket history. Her consistent performances throughout 2024 have been nothing short of extraordinary. Across 18 matches, she scored an impressive 387 runs and took 29 wickets, making her the top wicket-taker for New Zealand in a single calendar year. With a strike rate of 13.6, her bowling was a game-changer for her team.
Kerr’s standout moment came during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup held in the UAE. She was named Player of the Tournament, a title well-deserved given her phenomenal contribution to New Zealand’s first-ever T20 World Cup triumph. In the tournament, she claimed 15 wickets, setting a record for the most wickets taken by any bowler in a Women’s T20 World Cup. Her bowling average of 7.33 and economy rate of 4.85 reflect her dominance with the ball.
In addition to her bowling heroics, Kerr showed her prowess with the bat, scoring 135 runs across six innings at an average of 27. Her ability to deliver in high-pressure situations was evident during the tournament’s knockout stages. In the semi-final against the West Indies, she bowled a tight spell, taking 2/14, which included the crucial wicket of Deandra Dottin.
In the final against South Africa, Kerr’s all-round brilliance took center stage. She anchored New Zealand’s innings with a top score of 43 runs off 38 balls, helping her team post a competitive total. Later, she turned the game around with the ball, taking 3/24, including two vital wickets in one over. Her sharp fielding added to her match-winning impact, highlighted by a breathtaking catch to dismiss Nadine de Klerk.
Kerr is now the second New Zealander to win this prestigious award, joining her teammate Suzie Bates, who claimed it in 2016. Reflecting on her achievement, Kerr expressed her gratitude, calling it a “huge honor.” She credited her success to her team and the support she received throughout the year.
This remarkable year has not only brought World Cup glory to New Zealand but has also established Melie Kerr as one of the finest all-rounders in women’s cricket today. Her determination, skill, and match-winning performances have made her an inspiration to aspiring cricketers around the world.
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