Mumbai (Maharashtra), March 16: New Zealand and Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Amelia Kerr continued her dream run by helping MI clinch the Women’s Premier League (WPL) title with a stellar bowling performance in the final against Delhi Capitals. Kerr’s two wickets for 25 runs in four overs, including crucial scalps of Jess Jonassen and Jemimah Rodrigues, were pivotal in stifling Delhi’s chase of 150 runs.
Kerr finished the season as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 18 wickets at an average of 15.94 and a best bowling performance of 5/38 in 10 matches, earning her the Purple Cap for the most wickets of the season. She tied with fellow MI all-rounder Hayley Matthews, who also claimed 18 wickets, for the highest tally in a single WPL season. The second-highest wicket-taker was UP Warriorz spinner Sophie Ecclestone with 16 wickets.
While her batting didn’t shine as brightly this season, with just 73 runs in eight innings, Kerr’s form with the ball was exceptional. Her successful year began with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, where she was instrumental in New Zealand’s historic win, taking home the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award. In the final, she played a key role, contributing both with the bat (43 off 38 balls) and the ball (3/24), helping New Zealand defend a target of 159.
Kerr’s all-round brilliance throughout 2024 earned her the ICC Women’s T20I Player of the Year award. She took 29 wickets in the calendar year, a record for any New Zealand women’s cricketer, and scored 387 runs at an average of 24.18.
In the WPL final, MI batted first after Delhi Capitals opted to field. The MI innings was off to a rocky start, with them being reduced to 14/2 in 4.3 overs. However, a strong 89-run partnership between captain Harmanpreet Kaur (66 in 44 balls) and Nat-Sciver (30 in 28 balls) propelled MI past the 100-run mark, helping them reach a total of 149/7 in their 20 overs. Marizanne Kapp (2/11) and Jess Jonassen (2/26) were the standout bowlers for Delhi.
In response, Delhi Capitals faltered early, losing wickets regularly to be reduced to 83/6 in 12.5 overs. Despite a valiant 30-run effort from Jemimah Rodrigues and a 40-run stand between Kapp (40 in 26 balls) and Niki Prasad (25* in 23 balls), Delhi could only manage 141/9, falling short by 8 runs.
MI’s bowlers, including Nat-Sciver (3/30) and Amelia Kerr (2/25), were instrumental in the team’s victory. Harmanpreet Kaur was named ‘Player of the Match’ for her match-winning knock of 66.
With this win, Mumbai Indians secured the WPL title, further solidifying Kerr’s position as one of the best all-rounders in women’s cricket.