Amelia Kerr has been appointed the new all-format captain of the New Zealand women’s cricket team, officially taking from Sophie Devine who relinquished the role first in T20Is after leading the White Ferns to the T20 World Cup crown in 2024 and then called time on her ODI career entirely after the 2024 Women’s ODI World Cup.
The 25-year-old has represented New Zealand in 172 internationals and has led the side in two ODIs and two T20Is.
Kerr’s full-time tenure will begin when she leads the side in the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe later this month.
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Her appointment is a crucial development for the White Ferns with key events like the T20 World Cup in England this summer, the T20 Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka next year and the LA Olympics and 2028 T20 World Cup coming up.
“Growing up it was my childhood dream to represent New Zealand and to now have the opportunity to captain my country is a massive privilege. I’m really excited by the growth, the talent and the dedication of this group and the potential of what we can achieve and where we can go together.
Melie Kerr’s New Zealand career in a nutshell
Youngest player to ever debut for New Zealand (16 years and 27 days)
Highest ever individual ODI score for New Zealand (232* v Ireland 2018)
Only New Zealand player ever to win the ICC World Player of the Year (Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy)
2022 Commonwealth Games Bronze medal winner
2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup winner
2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament
3x winner of the NZC Debbie Hockley Medal
Third all-time leading wicket-taker for New Zealand (201 wickets)
Fourth all-time leading run scorer for New Zealand (3,757 runs)
“I am following an exceptional group of leaders who have captained the White Ferns before me, so I don’t take the responsibility lightly. I have so much love for this group and so much passion for representing Aotearoa.
“The captaincy doesn’t change who I am, I am still the same person and will give everything I can to lead this group and hopefully bring our country success.”
After debuting for New Zealand at just 16, Kerr has scored 3,757 runs and take 201 wickets across both formats and is already the country’s third all-time leading wicket-taker and fourth all-time leading run-scorer.
She was the player of the tournament in New Zealand’s successful 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, the side’s first-ever T20I world crown and first ICC world title since 2000. That helped her finish the year as the ICC’s Women’s Player of the Year and also became the first New Zealander to win the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy.
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Head coach Ben Sawyer backed Kerr as an excellent fit for the role.
“Melie has been an integral member of the squad for many years and deeply understands what it means to be a White Fern and represent New Zealand,” said Sawyer.
“She’s an outstanding leader not only through her performances on the field, but also in the respect she has from the playing group off it.
“Melie leading this team at this stage of her career ensures we have continuity and stability through the next cycle to 2029,” he said.
“Melie possesses all the qualities of a strong leader at such a young age and we are looking forward to supporting her in her development as a leader.”
Published on Feb 15, 2026
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