Kerr grabs four in big win

White Ferns spin bowler Amelia Kerr made an early statement in the buildup to the Women’s World Twenty20 with a four-wicket haul in an impressive warmup win in Antigua yesterday.

The 18-year-old collected 4-13 off three overs as New Zealand dismissed Sri Lanka for 98 in their first of two warmup matches before Saturday’s tournament opener against India.

Maddy Green (36 retired) and Suzie Bates (34) helped New Zealand recover from the loss of three early wickets to complete a six-wicket win with two overs to

Now the World Cup countdown begins with three oneday internationals starting in Abu Dhabi on Thursday (NZT), the first of 14 for New Zealand until mid-February when coach Gary Stead will have 15 cup names pencilled in.

World No 4-ranked ODI bowler spare at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. They did what was expected, ranked second in the world in T20 to Sri Lanka’s eighth.

The White Ferns pinned their hopes on spin for the tournament expected to be played on low, slow pitches, with as many as six slow bowling options included in their 15-strong squad.

Kerr will lead the way in that regard, and she showed her wares against Sri Lanka with two of her wickets bowled by a lethal googly and another snared by a sharp leg side catch from wicketkeeper Katey Martin.

Trent Boult (paternity leave) and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham are two significant arrivals but the spotlight will shine on the likes of Colin de Grandhomme and Ish Sodhi after mixed T20 series.

Allrounder and spin berths in the cup squad remain open, along