ICC announce Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2024

New Zealand’s all-rounder, Melie Kerr, has been awarded the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy as the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2024. She outshone fellow nominees Laura Wolvaardt, Chamari Athapaththu, and Annabel Sutherland to claim the honor.  

Kerr’s exceptional performances throughout the year in all three facets of the game established her as one of the world’s leading all-rounders. Her sharp fielding, skillful leg-spin bowling, and dependable batting consistently lifted New Zealand's performances.  

With the bat, Kerr played a crucial role for the White Ferns, often stabilizing the innings when needed or adding valuable runs in critical situations. Her bowling was equally impactful, as she emerged as one of the most effective leg-spinners, regularly delivering breakthroughs for her team.  

Kerr is the first New Zealander to win the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the first Kiwi to receive the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year title in any form.  

Her crowning moment came during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where she was named Player of the Tournament. Kerr was also the Player of the Match in the final, where New Zealand secured their maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa.  

In 2024, Kerr showcased her skills across formats. She scored 264 runs at an average of 33 in nine ODIs and claimed 14 wickets. However, her T20I performances stood out the most. She played 18 T20Is, scoring 387 runs at an average of 24.18 and taking 29 wickets – a record for a New Zealander in a single year.  

At the T20 World Cup, Kerr was the leading wicket-taker with 15 scalps, the highest by any bowler in a single tournament. Her key dismissals included big names like Deandra Dottin in the semi-final and Laura Wolvaardt in the final.  

In the T20 World Cup final, Kerr anchored New Zealand’s innings with a vital knock of 43 runs from 38 balls, helping her team post a competitive total of 158/5. She later contributed with the ball, taking 3/24, including two crucial wickets in an over that shifted the momentum in New Zealand’s favor.  

Her all-round brilliance in the final earned her the Player of the Match award, capping off a phenomenal year.