New Zealand pin hopes on teen sensation Amelia

A lot will ride on teen sensation Amelia Kerr when New Zealand take on India in their opening Women’s World T20 match at Providence, Guyana on Friday.

Touted as the next big thing for White Ferns, the all-rounder hopes to turn heads with her mystery leg-breaks and forceful batting. There is a reason why skipper Amy Satterthwaite is heavily depending on young Amelia’s abilities in the mega event. In June, the 17-year-old broke Australia great Belinda Clark’s 21-year-old record for the highest score in women’s ODIS, smashing an unbeaten 232 as opener against Ireland. At 17 years and 243 days, she became the youngest -- male or female -- to score a double-century across formats in international level. She went on to claim five wickets in the match.

“I am very excited for the World T20 and it should be a great tournament. Getting to play alongside players like Suzie Bates, Amy Satterthwaite and Sophie Devine is amazing as I grew up watching them and wanting to be a White Fern like them. I can learn a lot from them as they have a lot of experience in international cricket,” said Amelia. Her bowling form was evident in the four-wicket haul to fashion a warm-up win over Sri Lanka. Her 10 wickets was a silver lining for the team in the 2017 World Cup, where they failed to qualify for the knockouts.

New Zealand are in Group B with Australia, India, Pakistan and Ireland. “We’ve a tough pool and will be playing quality sides (but) we have a very dangerous side that can beat any team. We just have to perform consistently. I am excited … we have a great mix of experienced players and a good group of youngsters with big match players.” Amelia, who admires Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, has bagged her maiden overseas league contract to play for Southern Vipers in ECB’S Kia Super League.

Amelia grew up in Tawa, the northernmost suburb of Wellington, and it was natural she took up cricket as parents Robbie and Jo were Wellington cricketers. She is also the granddaughter of former New Zealand Test player, Bruce Murray. Amelie, who she started playing at six, bowled pace but switched to spin at 10.

Former Kiwi batsman Grant Elliot is her mentor while Wellington coach Ivan Tissera is her bowling coach.