Amelia Kerr makes dream start to New Zealand captaincy era with special all-round show

Amelia Kerr made an unforgettable start to her full-time captaincy stint for the New Zealand Women’s team as the White Ferns defeated Zimbabwe by 92 runs in the T20I series opener on Wednesday, February 25, at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Kerr recently took over the leadership reins from Sophie Devine and wasted no time in making an impact, earning Player of the Match honours. The 25-year-old had previously led New Zealand in four international matches across 2023 and 2024, and she showcased that experience with a commanding all-round performance.

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Batting at No.3, Kerr lit up Hamilton with a sensational hundred off just 51 balls, the joint-fifth fastest century in Women’s T20Is. In doing so, she became only the third White Ferns batter after Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine to score a Women’s T20I century.

AMELIA KERR SHINES IN HAMILTON

On a day when New Zealand piled up a commanding total, Kerr completely dominated with the bat. She smashed an unbeaten 101 off 51 deliveries, studded with 19 fours, at a staggering strike rate of nearly 198. Riding on her brilliance, New Zealand posted a massive 202 for 1, with Isabella Gaze providing strong support through a stylish 66 off 50 balls.

Kerr’s impact extended beyond her batting heroics. She delivered a superb spell with the ball, returning figures of 4-0-14-2. Her disciplined lines and clever variations stifled Zimbabwe’s chase, restricting them to 110 for 4 and sealing a comprehensive victory for the White Ferns.

Kerr has been one of New Zealand’s most consistent performers. She was named ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2024, winning the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the first New Zealander to claim the honour.

She also secured the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award after scoring 387 runs and taking 29 wickets in T20Is in 2024, and was Player of the Tournament in the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Beyond international cricket, Kerr has excelled globally. She is the leading wicket-taker in Women’s Premier League history with 54 wickets in 36 matches and was part of the Mumbai Indians’ title-winning campaigns in 2023 and 2025.

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