Amelia Kerr: A Journey to the Top and a Shot at Another WPL Title with Mumbai Indians
Amelia Kerr has been a part of the Mumbai Indians team since the inaugural season of 2023 when they won the trophy, and she is confident about securing another title. From being an exceptional young talent to winning the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award for 2024, Kerr has had a remarkable journey to the top over the past decade.
Her stellar performance in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup victory in the UAE in October 2024 earned her the reputation of being the world’s best women’s cricketer. At just 24, she dominated the tournament, taking 15 wickets in six matches with her exceptional leg-breaks and googlies, making her the highest wicket-taker. Additionally, she scored 135 runs while batting at No. 3. In the final, she contributed 43 runs and took three crucial wickets.
Like all great cricketers, she is now focused on helping Mumbai Indians reach the final of the third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). A key member of the franchise since their first title-winning campaign in 2023, she is confident about another shot at the championship. MI is currently in second place, just behind Delhi Capitals.
“We have a really well-balanced team. We are in a good position, and we have some important matches coming up. Obviously, we’ve won this competition before, so we have that belief,” Kerr told Sportstar in a virtual conversation on Sunday.
As the WPL caravan moves to Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium—known for its rich culinary heritage and courteous culture—Kerr’s leg-spin could prove to be more effective here compared to Vadodara and Bengaluru. The pitches at this venue are already showing signs of encouraging spin.
“I’m not sure what to expect in Lucknow since I’ve never played here before. Women’s cricket now involves different leagues and a lot of international travel, so you have to adapt. I don’t focus too much on conditions, but if there’s a significant difference, adjusting is definitely important,” she said.
So far in this campaign, Kerr has been flying under the radar, not quite matching her usual high standards. “Every time I step on the field, I try to contribute and stay involved in the game as much as possible.
“Maybe I’ve missed a few chances with the bat, but cricket is an unpredictable game. It’s all about preparing for the next match and staying competitive.”
Amelia Kerr: The Rising Star of Women’s Cricket
Amelia Kerr is not just a cricketer; she is a phenomenon. At just 24, she has already left an indelible mark on the game with her exceptional all-round abilities. Known for her lethal leg-spin, precise googlies, and solid batting skills, she has become one of the most valuable players in international women’s cricket.
A Prodigy from New Zealand Born on October 13, 2000, in Wellington, New Zealand, Amelia comes from a family deeply rooted in cricket. Her grandfather, Bruce Murray, played Test cricket for New Zealand, and her mother and father were also cricketers. With the sport in her blood, she started playing at a young age and quickly made a name for herself in domestic cricket.
Breaking Records at a Young Age
Amelia burst onto the international scene in 2018 when she made history by scoring an unbeaten 232 runs off just 145 balls against Ireland—the highest individual score in Women’s One Day Internationals (ODIs)at the time. What made this achievement even more remarkable? She also took5 wickets for just 17 runs in the same match, proving she was a true all-rounder.
Dominating the T20 World Cup
Fast forward to 2024, Amelia played a crucial role in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup victory in the UAE. She was the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, claiming 15 wickets in just six matches while also scoring valuable runs. Her all-round brilliance led to her being named the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.
A Key Player in the Women’s Premier League ( WPL)
Since the inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023, Amelia has been a core member of the Mumbai Indians franchise. She played a crucial role in their title-winning campaign and is now determined to help them secure another championship.
“We have a well-balanced team, and we believe we can win again,” Kerr confidently stated.
A Role Model for Young Cricketers
Beyond her statistics and match-winning performances, Amelia is admired for her humility, dedication, and passion for the game. She constantly works on improving her skills and is known for her disciplined fitness routine. As a young leader in women’s cricket, she continues to inspire the next generation of players.
Looking Ahead
With age on her side and immense talent at her disposal, Amelia Kerr’s journey is far from over. Whether it’s international cricket, franchise leagues, or inspiring young girls to take up the sport, she is set to achieve even greater heights in the years to come.