Some moments in sports just feel bigger, don't they. It's when an individual achievement lights up a massive tournament stage, and that's exactly what we witnessed on Wednesday. What's particularly interesting is In the heat of the Women's ODI World Cup 2025, New Zealand's incredible all-rounder, Amelia Kerr, etched her name into the history books. At just 24, she became the third Kiwi woman ever to claim 100 wickets in One-Day Internationals, a truly stunning accomplishment.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Amelia Kerr becomes only the third New Zealand woman to take 100 wickets in ODIs.
- ✓ The milestone was achieved during the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 match against Australia.
- ✓ Her 100th wicket was Australian opener Phoebe Litchfield, dismissed with a deceptive googly.
- ✓ At just 24 years old, Kerr reached this landmark in an impressive 77 innings.
- ✓ She joins the elite Kiwi company of Lea Tahuhu and Sophie Devine in the 100-wicket club.
A Milestone Moment in Indore
Imagine the scene: the iconic Holkar Stadium in Indore, a high-stakes World Cup clash between rivals Australia and New Zealand. The pressure is on, and every ball counts. It was in this very atmosphere that Amelia Kerr stepped up to deliver a piece of magic. Her 100th victim in the format was none other than Australian opener Phoebe Litchfield, who was looking set for a outstanding score.
But Kerr, with her signature leg-break bowling, had other plans. She delivered a beautifully deceptive googly that completely fooled Litchfield. The opener misread the line entirely, and before she knew it, the ball crashed straight into her off stump. It was the perfect delivery to mark such a monumental occasion, celebrated with her teammates as the weight of the achievement sunk in. A classic spinner's dismissal on the world's biggest stage.
And she wasn't done for the day, not by a long shot. Proving her worth yet again, Kerr went on to claim another crucial wicket. From a news perspective, This time, it was Annabel Sutherland who was sent packing, holing out to a safe catch by the veteran Suzie Bates at mid-on. It was a clear statement that Kerr isn't just a player who hits milestones; she's a match-winner who consistently delivers for her team when it matters most.
Joining an Elite Club of Kiwi Legends
Reaching 100 ODI wickets is a massive deal for any bowler, but for a New Zealand woman, it places you in incredibly rare company. Before this match, only two other players had ever achieved this feat for the White Ferns. Kerr now stands proudly alongside two of the nation's cricketing greats: Lea Tahuhu and captain Sophie Devine. It’s a testament to her skill, dedication, and impact on the game from such a young age.
Let's put this into perspective. Industry experts suggest that Lea Tahuhu currently leads the list with 115 wickets from 96 innings. Following her is the legendary all-rounder and skipper Sophie Devine, who has 107 wickets from 127 innings. The fact that Kerr has raced to this landmark in just 77 innings is nothing short of remarkable. This brings us to It speaks volumes about her wicket-taking ability and the vital role she plays in New Zealand's bowling attack. Market evidence demonstrates that
What's truly exciting is that Kerr is known for her twin strengths—she's just as dangerous with the bat as she is with the ball. This milestone further strengthens her credentials as one of the world's premier all-rounders. It’s a fun little side note that her official records on some platforms were sitting at 99 wickets before the match; it’s safe to say those will be updated very quickly now that she's officially in the triple-digit club.
The Bigger Picture: A Thrilling World Cup Clash
While Kerr's personal achievement was a massive highlight, it was part of a much larger, enthralling contest. The match began with Australian skipper Alyssa Healy winning the toss and making the strategic decision to bat first. This put the pressure squarely on the New Zealand bowlers to make early inroads and restrict a powerhouse batting lineup.
Interestingly, Australia made a big call in their team selection, leaving out seasoned pacer Megan Schutt and bringing in Darcie Brown. It was a clear sign of their aggressive intent. The Australian lineup was stacked with talent, including Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, and Tahlia McGrath. But the day truly belonged to Ashleigh Gardner, who delivered a rip-roaring performance and scored the very first century of the 2025 World Cup. Her ton was a game-changer, sparking a major comeback for the Aussies.
The Teams on the Day
For those who love the nitty-gritty, here’s how the two teams lined up for this massive encounter. New Zealand fielded a strong side led by Sophie Devine, featuring Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, and a bowling attack including Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu.
Australia, captained by Alyssa Healy, featured a star-studded batting order with Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, and Beth Mooney. Their bowling arsenal included not just Darcie Brown but also talents like Alana King and Kim Garth, who also chipped in with wickets during the intense match. It was a clash of titans, and every player had a role to play in this dramatic opening game.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, while the match had many twists and turns, the standout story was the historic achievement of Amelia Kerr. Reaching 100 ODI wickets at just 24 years old, and doing it on the grand stage of a World Cup, is the stuff dreams are made of. Research findings show that It cements her status not just as a rising star, but as a genuine superstar of the game. This milestone isn't just a number; it's a celebration of talent, hard work, and the bright future of women's cricket.
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