• Source:PTI
Add as a preferred

ICC Women's Cricketer Of The Year 2024: New Zealand all-rounder Melie Kerr made history on Tuesday by becoming the first Kiwi recipient of the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, earning the title of ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year for her exceptional performances in 2024.

The 24-year-old stood out among her peers, surpassing Laura Wolvaardt, Chamari Athapaththu, and Annabel Sutherland to claim the top honour in women's cricket.

Kerr is not only the first New Zealander to win the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy but also the first Kiwi to be recognised as ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year in any category.

Throughout the year, Kerr demonstrated her prowess as a world-class all-rounder, excelling in every facet of the game. Her outstanding fielding repeatedly lifted New Zealand, while her skill as a leg-spinner established her as one of the most dangerous strike bowlers in the world.

"It's a huge honour to win the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year. I guess for me individual awards aren't something you think about much, but this is an extremely special one.

"It’s nice to be able to contribute for New Zealand, I guess that's all any cricketer wants is to work hard and put out performances for their teammates. There are so many people that have helped me achieve what I have, and I'm very grateful for the support network I have around me," Amelia said after receiving the honour.

She played a key hand in helping New Zealand clinch their maiden ICC Women's T20 World Cup title last year.

Kerr was often the White Ferns' go-to match-winner with the ball.

With the bat, she was a cornerstone of New Zealand's lineup, capable of playing expansive innings to capitalise on strong starts or anchoring the innings when the top order faltered.

First introduced in 2017, the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy has been awarded to just three players prior to Kerr -- Australia's Ellyse Perry, India's Smriti Mandhana, and England's Nat Sciver-Brunt, each of whom has won the award twice.

She had a remarkable impact in the shortest format throughout the year, having scored 387 runs and also took 29 wickets at an average of 15.55. Amelia ended up setting a new record for most wickets (15) in a single edition of the Women's T20 WC.

The 24-year-old was adjudged as the Player of the Tournament for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. She made a crucial contribution of 43 runs in 38 balls in the final against South Africa before taking the crucial wickets of Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch.

Kerr also impressed in ODIs, hitting 264 runs at an average of 33.00 and taking 14 wickets which included four-wicket hauls against India and Australia.