New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for March, beating fellow nominees Ayabonga Khaka and Beth Mooney after a dominant run across formats during a highly successful home season. The award, announced by the International Cricket Council, recognises Kerr’s outstanding all-round performances in both ODI and T20I cricket, where she played a central role in New Zealand’s series wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa. Her performances were particularly significant as she stepped into the white-ball captaincy, taking over from Sophie Devine.
Kerr made an immediate impact in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, delivering one of the most dominant bowling performances seen in recent times. She claimed 16 wickets in just three matches, including a career-best spell of 7/34, the best figures by a New Zealand woman in ODIs. Her ability to strike regularly and control the game through the middle overs proved decisive in dismantling the opposition.
She was equally effective with the bat in the series, scoring 140 runs at an average of 46.67, finishing among the top contributors. Her dual impact underlined her importance to the side and set the tone for what would be a remarkable month.
The 25-year-old then continued her prolific run in the T20I series, against South Africa where New Zealand secured a 4-1 victory. Kerr amassed 276 runs across five matches, playing a key role in the team’s batting dominance. Her consistency stood out as she extended a remarkable streak of 11 consecutive scores of 30 or more in T20 internationals, highlighting her reliability at the top level.
Her performances across formats also propelled her to the No.1 position in the ICC Women’s T20I all-rounder rankings, further cementing her reputation as one of the most complete players in the modern game. Despite her individual success, Kerr was quick to highlight the collective effort behind New Zealand’s strong showing during the month. “It’s been a special month for the White Ferns,” Kerr said. “It’s always nice to be able to contribute to wins for your country but seeing the way the whole team has played, the selflessness and the belief is what has been the highlight for me this past month.”
Kerr’s rise as a leader has also been a key takeaway from the series. Taking on captaincy responsibilities appears to have elevated her performances, with the all-rounder leading from the front in crucial moments with both bat and ball. Her ability to balance leadership with personal performance has been central to New Zealand’s recent success.
With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled to begin in England from June 12, Kerr’s form will be vital as New Zealand prepare to defend their title. Her consistency, versatility, and composure make her one of the most important players in the squad heading into the global event.
Kerr’s Player of the Month award caps a period of sustained excellence, where she not only outperformed strong contenders like Khaka and Mooney but also reinforced her status as one of the leading all-rounders in world cricket.