As the world of women’s cricket continues to flourish and gain recognition, few players embody the spirit of versatility and excellence like Amelia Kerr. At just 24 years old, this remarkable Kiwi talent has captured the attention and admiration of fans and players alike. Fellow cricketing legend Sophie Devine has even affectionately described her as a “once-in-a-generation player.” Amelia’s impressive performances under pressure have solidified her reputation as one of the most exciting all-rounders currently in the game.
Amelia is making waves with the Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where her impressive stats speak volumes about her capabilities both with the bat and ball. With 426 runs at a strike rate of 120.67 and an average of 26.62 across 22 innings, she ranks as the 5th highest run-scorer for the franchise. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg—Kerr’s prowess as a bowler shines through as well. At present, she stands as the 2nd highest wicket-taker for Mumbai Indians, having snared 32 wickets at an average of 18.18 across 25 innings.
In a historical feat for her franchise, Kerr recently became the first Mumbai Indians bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul in the WPL. On March 6, 2025, she showcased her match-winning abilities against the UP Warriorz, returning figures of 4-0-38-5—a performance that not only secured her team’s win but also marked her best individual bowling figures in the tournament to date.
Amelia speaks passionately about her role as an all-rounder, declaring, “Being an all-rounder is the best way to play cricket. It’s a lot more fun as a player.” This sentiment resonates deeply with her, as she’s not only honing her skills in two distinct areas of the game but also embracing the challenges and excitement that come with them. For Amelia, the thrill lies in being the player who steps up when the stakes are high. As she puts it, “You want to be the player that steps up in the big moments.”
Kerr’s cricket journey began at an early age, fueled by her passion for both batting and leg spin. Mastering leg spin is no small feat; it takes relentless practice and unyielding dedication, and Amelia’s commitment has certainly paid off. She reminisces about wanting to be a batswoman but also recognizes that she initially needed to develop her power-hitting skills. Her journey culminated in a stunning achievement when she scored an astonishing 232 not out in a Women’s ODI, a record-breaking score that remains proud and untouchable.
Her ability to perform when it counts isn’t just a recent development. In the previous T20 World Cup, she was the Most Valuable Player (MVP) as she played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s historic victory. Notably, her contributions in the final against South Africa, where she scored 43 runs and took three key wickets, earned her the Player of the Match award and was a cornerstone of her team’s success throughout the tournament.
Amelia’s overall statistics are impressive. In 2024, she scored 387 runs at an average of 24.18 and took 29 wickets at just 15.55 in the T20 format. In ODIs, she continued her stellar form, amassing 264 runs with an average of 33, alongside taking 14 wickets at an average of 27.42. Such a remarkable performance throughout the year garnered her the title of ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2024.
Adjusting to different playing environments has been essential for Kerr. When explaining her approach to bowling in India compared to her home grounds, she emphasizes the significance of adaptability. “On these grounds, it’s important to take wickets but also deny runs and build pressure,” she explains. This mindset requires careful precision and creativity, especially for a leg-spinner like herself, which she has cultivated through years of practice and a willingness to learn.
Amelia’s emergence is part of a broader trend in women’s cricket: the rise of multi-faceted all-rounders. Players like Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Jess Jonassen are similarly proving the value that comes from mastering both batting and bowling skills. Kerr underscores that we are indeed witnessing more all-rounders in women’s cricket today, showcasing the exciting evolution of the sport.
Kerr’s journey is not just about personal achievements; it’s also a symbol of resilience and ambition for smaller cricketing nations. Watching the White Ferns play back in 2010 fueled her dreams of winning a World Cup, a dream she was overjoyed to fulfill last year. “We Kiwis often punch above our weight,” she proudly states, reflecting on the grit and determination that define her cricket legacy.
As Amelia Kerr continues to dazzle cricket fans with her talent and tenacity, her influence on the future of women’s cricket is undeniably profound. Whether it’s her captivating leg spin or her ability to contribute crucial runs, she represents the exciting evolution of the sport. As she aims to lead the Mumbai Indians to yet another WPL title, her journey is a true testament to the power of hard work and an unwavering passion for cricket.
In the world of sports, where talent meets sheer determination, Amelia Kerr is a name that resonates, inspiring young cricketers and fans across the globe. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication, and it continues to unfold on one of cricket’s biggest stages. Whether you’re a budding cricketer or simply a fan of the sport, Amelia’s journey reminds us all that with hard work and determination, dreams can indeed become a reality.
Image Source: Amelia Kerr @ Instagram
