Dubai, Jan 28: Melie Kerr, the all-rounder from New Zealand, made history on Tuesday by being honored with the esteemed Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, thus becoming the first Kiwi to be named ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year for her outstanding performances in 2024.
At just 24 years old, Kerr distinguished herself among a talented field that included Laura Wolvaardt, Chamari Athapaththu, and Annabel Sutherland, ultimately securing this prestigious accolade in women’s cricket.
In addition to being the first New Zealander to receive the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, she is also the first Kiwi recognized as ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year across any category.
Kerr showcased her abilities as a world-class all-rounder in the past year, excelling in all aspects of the game. Her remarkable fielding consistently bolstered New Zealand’s efforts, while her expertise as a leg-spinner made her one of the most formidable strike bowlers globally. Often, she was the White Ferns’ key match-winner with the ball.
With the bat, she was an essential part of New Zealand’s batting order, adept at crafting significant innings to build on solid starts or stabilizing the game when the top order struggled.
Since its inception in 2017, the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy has only been awarded to three players before Kerr: Australia’s Ellyse Perry, India’s Smriti Mandhana, and England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, each of whom has won the award twice. (PTI)
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