In a year that overflowed with cricketing brilliance, Melie Kerr of New Zealand has been recognized as the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year for 2024. This accolade, announced on January 25, 2025, celebrates Kerr’s exceptional performances that propelled New Zealand to unprecedented heights in women’s cricket.
Melie Kerr’s 2024 was marked by her all-round dominance in T20Is. She scored 387 runs at an average of 24.18 and captured 29 wickets, setting a new national record for the most wickets by a New Zealand woman in a calendar year. Her performances were not just about numbers; they were about impact, showcasing her versatility with both bat and ball, which was crucial in New Zealand clinching their first-ever T20 World Cup title.
The pinnacle of Kerr’s year was undoubtedly her role in the Women’s T20 World Cup, held in the UAE. She was named the Player of the Tournament, a fitting tribute to her 15 wickets – the most ever by a single bowler in the tournament’s history – and her scoring 135 runs across six innings. Her all-around contribution was decisive in every phase of the tournament, with her best performances coming in the knockout stages. In the semi-final against West Indies, her economical 2/14 was instrumental in New Zealand’s narrow victory. However, her crowning moment came in the final against South Africa, where she top-scored with 43 runs and took three crucial wickets, including those of Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch, to seal the championship for New Zealand.
Kerr’s impact extended beyond the World Cup. Her consistent performances throughout the year included key matches against Australia, where despite a loss, she claimed four wickets, and in series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, where her leg-spin often turned the game in New Zealand’s favor. Her ability to adapt and excel in different conditions and against various opponents has made her not just a match-winner but a game-changer.
At just 24 years old, Melie Kerr has already cemented her place among the greats of women’s cricket. Her achievement makes her the second New Zealander after Suzie Bates in 2016 to win this prestigious award. Kerr’s journey from a promising youngster to the fulcrum of the White Ferns’ success story is a testament to her hard work, talent, and the mentorship she received from cricketing legends like Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates.
With this accolade, Kerr’s future in cricket looks even brighter. Her skills with both bat and ball, combined with her leadership potential, position her as a central figure in New Zealand’s cricketing narrative for years to come. The cricketing world eagerly anticipates how Kerr will continue to evolve and influence the game, especially as new challenges like the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup approach.
Melie Kerr’s recognition as the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year for 2024 is not just a personal triumph but a moment of national pride for New Zealand. Her performances have not only won matches but have also inspired a new generation of cricketers in her country and around the globe. As she continues to break records and set new standards, Kerr’s legacy in women’s cricket is undoubtedly on an upward trajectory.