When Melie Kerr was a schoolgirl, she used to write stories about winning a World Cup alongside her idols, Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates. Her journey is a testament to the power of sports stars in inspiring the next generation, and this moment is embodied in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup-winning team.
On Sunday night in Dubai, Devine and Bates, at 37 and 35 years old, celebrated New Zealand’s first-ever T20 World Cup title. Standing alongside them was Kerr, the player of the final and the tournament, who at 24, perfectly bridges the gap between their generation and the young talents the White Ferns hope will carry them forward.
“I was inspired to become a White Fern after watching the 2010 World Cup, where Sophie played,” Kerr reflected. “From that moment, I was in the nets with my dad, pretending I was batting with Sophie and Suzie. Being part of this team at such a young age and playing with my role models, who happen to be two of New Zealand’s greatest cricketers, is surreal. I don’t believe anyone truly ‘deserves’ things in sport, but if anyone does, it’s Sophie and Suzie.
“I remember writing in primary school about winning a World Cup with them, and now that it’s a reality, I think that’s why I was so emotional on the field. It’s something incredibly special to think back to my younger self and realize I’ve accomplished this dream alongside two of New Zealand’s best.”
Kerr gave everything for the 32-run victory over South Africa, who were runners-up for the second consecutive T20 World Cup. She anchored New Zealand’s innings with a 38-ball 43, then took three crucial wickets, including South Africa’s top players Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch. Despite cramping up after a boundary-saving dive, Kerr’s efforts helped the White Ferns to victory.
Her 15 wickets set a record for the most taken in a single Women’s T20 World Cup, with key performances like 3 for 24 against South Africa, 3 for 14 against Pakistan, and 4 for 26 in the group-stage loss to six-time champions Australia, who were eliminated by South Africa in the semi-finals.
Devine hailed Kerr as “a once-in-a-generation player” during the trophy presentation, later telling her, “What you’ve achieved out there is pretty incredible.”
Reflecting on the win, Devine added, “I hope this victory instills belief and confidence in the younger players. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen their confidence grow, and as a leader, that’s exactly what you want to see.”
