Amelia Kerr, an all-round player, claimed a childhood dream of winning a major championship with Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates after she battled cramps to produce a Player of the Match performance in New Zealand’s 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup victory. Kerr made 43 at bat and took three wickets.

“I was inspired to be a White Fern watching that 2010 World Cup which Sophie was at and from that moment I was at the nets with my dad pretending I was batting with Sophie and Suzie (Bates) and being in the team so young and playing with my role models who have been so good to me and two of New Zealand’s greatest ever cricketers.”

“I don’t think you deserve anything in sports, but Sophie and Suzie are two people who definitely deserve it.” And all I can do is remember when I was a child and I used to bat in the nets with Suzie and Sophie. Similar to how I wrote about winning a World Cup with Sophie and Suzie in creative writing when I was in elementary school.”

“So, having gone through that and being here now, I believe it’s probably the reason I’m now acting so emotional on the field. “Being here now and doing it with two of New Zealand’s best ever feels like something really special,” Amelia, who also won Player of the Tournament in the tournament, said.

In reference to her outstanding performance in all areas during the championship match, Amelia said, “I was probably struggling a little bit out there whilst batting and it was hot.” I was perspiring a lot since I had gone through approximately ten pairs of gloves. After taking a wonderful bath and getting off, I felt my calf nearly go and tighten up as I ran for one and bowled my first ball, experiencing a similar sensation.

“Thank goodness, I was able to remain in the ring and avoid having to field on the boundary like I usually do. It was all about getting past the crease while bowling. Even though I probably didn’t exert as much effort as I would have wanted, I was still able to pass through the crease.”