Amelia Kerr delivered a phenomenal all-round performance to guide Wellington Blaze to a hard-fought 4-run victory over Northern Districts in the fifth match of the Women’s Super Smash 2024-25 at Seddon Park, Hamilton. With an unbe??aten half-century followed by a match-winning four-wicket haul, Kerr dominated the game in all departments.

Her contributions were instrumental in defending a target of 151 against a determined Northern Districts lineup, underlining her status as a game-changer for Wellington Women. This win marked Wellington’s first triumph of the season, putting them on the leaderboard.

Wellington Blaze’s batting: Amelia Kerr anchors a crucial stand

Opting to bat first, Wellington initially struggled, losing early wickets as Northern Districts bowlers struck crucial blows. Kerr walked in under pressure but displayed exceptional composure to anchor the innings. Her unbeaten 67 off 51 balls featured six boundaries and a towering six, showcasing a mix of resilience and aggression. She found an able partner in Jess Kerr, who blazed her way to 61 not out off just 39 deliveries. Together, they added 101 runs for the fourth wicket, transforming the innings with their calculated assault in the death overs. Kerr’s ability to find gaps and rotate the strike kept the scoreboard ticking, while Jess provided the fireworks to propel Wellington to a competitive 150/3.

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Amelia Kerr’s bowling masterclass: Breaking the backbone of Northern District

After that, Kerr turned the game around with the ball, claiming 4/18 in her four overs. She dismissed key players like Chamari Athapaththu and Caitlin Gurrey derailing Northern Districts�?chase. Her clever variations and pinpoint accuracy ensured she was unpla?yable, particularly in the middle overs.

Kerr also removed Nensi Patel and Yasmeen Kareem in quick succession, leaving the opposition reeling. Sh?e bowled economically, maintaining pressure and forcing batters into errors. Her spell not only slowed the run rate b?ut also triggered collapses, ultimately defending a modest total with finesse.

1. Chamari Athapaththu (6.4): Kerr bowled a flighted delivery that tempted Athapaththu into a lofted shot, only to be caught brilliantly by Leigh Kasperek around the edge of 30 yards.
2. Nensi Patel (6.5): Patel fell on the very next ball in an attempt to hammered a short pitched ball but caught at fine leg by Caitlin King , showcasing Kerr’s mastery of variations.
3. Yasmeen Kareem (10.5): A perfectly tossed-up delivery lured Kareem into an expansive lofted drive, only for her to mistime it and give a simple catch to Jess at mid-off.
4. Caitlin Gurrey (14.4): Kerr deceived Gurrey with sharp turn, drawing her out of the crease, and wicketkeeper Jessica McFadyen completed a sharp stumping.

Here’s the video:

Perfect start to 2025 for Amelia Kerr! 😍

The all-rounder added 4 wickets with the ball to her contribution of 67* with the bat to lead Wellington to a comfortable win! 👏🏻#SuperSmashonFanCode pic.twitter.com/SciuAcEO0L

— FanCode (@FanCode) January 1, 2025

Kerr’s spell broke the backbone of Northern Districts’ middle order, applying relentless pressure during the chase. Her economical bowling and knack for striking at crucial moments ensured Wellington maintained control of the game.

Wellington edge past Districts in Women’s Super Smash 2024-25

Northern Districts began the chase aggressively, with Jess Watkin smashing 34 off just 19 balls and Athapaththu contributing a brisk 26 off 19.?? Their 50-run opening stand came in quick time, setting the platform for a successful chase. However,  Kerr’s introduction turned?? the tide, as wickets fell in clusters.

Carol Agafili fought valiantly with a composed ??40 off 28 balls, keeping Northern District in the hunt until the final over. Despite her efforts, regular breakt??hroughs by Kerr and Kasperek (2/18) ensured the total was defended. Northern Districts ultimately fell short, managing 146/9 in their 20 overs. Wellington’s disciplined bowling, led by Kerr’s brilliance, sealed a thrilling victory for them.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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