Ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand is currently in Australia for a three-match T20I series. Australia secured victories in the first two encounters, but it was Amelia Kerr’s standout performance in the second T20I that gave New Zealand a fighting chance.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Australia was bowled out for 142, losing 7 wickets for just 28 runs. New Zealand’s leg-spinner Amelia Kerr played a pivotal role, registering her career-best figures of 4 for 20. Her spell rattled the world champions, marking only the second time Australia has been bowled out in their last 55 T20I matches since the 2020 T20 World Cup.
Kerr’s brilliant bowling display included two impressive wrong’uns that dismissed Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath. She then deceived Sophie Molineux in the air, resulting in a stumping, and clean-bowled Megan Schutt with a quicker delivery. Kerr ended with remarkable figures of 4 for 20 from her allotted four overs.
Reflecting on her performance, Kerr was humble, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the game: “I could bowl the exact same bowls in the next game and go for 40 runs and take no wickets. But hopefully, if I bowl in good areas more often than not, it leads to better results and it does feel nice at the moment.”
Having played 78 T20Is for New Zealand, Kerr is already one of the team’s most valuable assets. She has taken 77 wickets and scored 1121 runs, with her top score of 70 coming against South Africa. As the World Cup looms, New Zealand’s spin bowling department looks strong, with experienced campaigner Leigh Kasperek, youngster Fran Jonas, and Kerr leading the charge.
“You’ve obviously got Leigh who’s got a wealth of experience and has had a lot of success, and then, yeah, with myself, Eden, and Fran are all under the age of 23. So, it’s, hopefully, we can all have long careers ahead of us as a spin group,” said Kerr, expressing her confidence in the depth of New Zealand’s spin attack.
The final T20I of the series between Australia and New Zealand is set for 24th September. Both teams will then shift focus to the T20 World Cup, where New Zealand has been drawn into Group A, alongside defending champions Australia, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Their tournament opener, a high-stakes clash against India, will take place on 4th October at the Dubai International Stadium.
New Zealand’s squad boasts a mix of experience and youth, with captain Sophie Devine leading a team that includes seasoned players like Suzie Bates and rising talents such as Eden Carson and Georgia Plimmer. With Kerr’s recent form and the squad’s well-rounded strength, the White Ferns will be looking to make a significant impact at the World Cup.
New Zealand squad:
Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu