Published By: Sayan Guha

3 Reasons Why Amelia Kerr Clinched Her First Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy in 2024!

Unpacking the Stats Behind Her Historic Triumph

Amelia Kerr's historic win of the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy as the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year 2024 was a testament to her exceptional talent. Her dominance in 2024, setting records and delivering match-winning performances, was a feat that few could have predicted. But how did Kerr surpass other big names like Laura Wolvaardt, Chamari Athapaththu, and Annabel Sutherland? Let's delve into the stats and uncover what made her truly extraordinary.

Unmatched all-round numbers: A dual threat

Amelia Kerr's all-around abilities were on full display throughout 2024. Her T20I achievements were nothing short of remarkable. She scored 387 runs at an average of 24.18 and a strike rate of 120.93, demonstrating consistency and aggressiveness. However, it was her bowling that made her year memorable. With 29 wickets at a meagre average of 15.55 and an economy rate of 5.10, she was a nightmare for batters all around the world.

Her 29 T20I wickets were the most of any bowler in a calendar year in women's T20Is. She took three four-wicket hauls in T20Is, proving her ability to break through batting lineups at critical events.

Kerr maintained her all-around dominance in ODIs. She scored 264 runs in just nine matches, averaging 33.00, with two fifties. Her bowling was as effective, taking 14 wickets at an average of 23.42, including two four-wicket hauls against heavyweights India and Australia.

The T20 World Cup: A tournament for the ages

Kerr's most significant achievement came during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE when she was a one-woman wrecking crew for New Zealand. Her numbers at the competition tell the story:

15 wickets at an astonishing average of 7.33 and an economy rate of just 4.56.

135 runs in six innings at an average of 27.00 and a strike rate of 126.16.

Her most excellent effort came in the final versus South Africa. After a rocky start, Kerr came in for the second over and anchored the innings with a vital 43 off 38 balls, powering New Zealand to 158/5. But she wasn't finished. She had a dazzling 3/24 with the ball, dismissing two of South Africa's top three batters, including Laura Wolvaardt, the tournament's second-highest run scorer. Her 15 wickets in the competition beat Megan Schutt's record of 13 wickets in the 2018 Women's T20 World Cup.

Consistency across formats: A league of her own

Unlike many players who excel in a single format, Kerr dominated both T20Is and ODIs. Her efforts were more than just highlight moments; they were constant throughout the year. In 27 matches across formats in 2024, Kerr scored 651 runs and took 43 wickets, with a wicket every 18 balls in T20Is and ODIs combined.

She hit three half-centuries, with a top of 76* against Australia in ODIs, and claimed four wickets in each format. In comparison, Chamari Athapaththu, one of her closest challengers for the prize, scored an impressive 819 runs in ODIs but only took four wickets across all forms. Laura Wolvaardt, a steady batter, had little impression with the ball or in T20Is.

Kerr's win of the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy not only marked a personal triumph but also set a new benchmark for cricket greatness. While her statistics may fade over time, her impact on the game will continue to inspire future generations, leaving a lasting legacy in women's cricket.