Amelia Kerr knows what it takes to win a global title and wants New Zealand to use that experience at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Two years after she starred in the Kiwis’ success in Dubai, Kerr is now captaining the side as they prepare to begin the defence of their crown against the West Indies in Southampton.
Their opening fixture is an intriguing clash with the 2016 winners, getting underway at 18h30 local time.
All-rounder Kerr will be key for the team ranked fourth in the world, and she is optimistic that with silverware already to their name, New Zealand will not be short of belief when times get tough.
She said: “There’s a lot of talk about defending a title, but that was two years ago and a lot has changed. We’ve got a slightly different side and a different group.
“One thing winning taught us is that we can do it. That gives you belief that you can win when you’re under pressure on the biggest stage. Whether things start well or badly, we know we can find a way to win from different situations.”
Kerr succeeded Sophie Devine as captain, with the former skipper set to bow out of international cricket after this tournament, along with fellow greats Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu.
With three such significant individuals set to depart, Kerr is inevitably keen to send them off on a high.
She added: “It’s going to feel very different after this World Cup without them around the dressing room.
“When you look at the history of New Zealand cricket, all three would be among the country’s greatest players. They’re huge personalities and wonderful people to have around the group. We definitely want to make this World Cup special for them.”
New Zealand face a West Indies side that is also packed with experience, led by Hayley Matthews, who was part of that successful side a decade ago.
Ranked seventh in the world, consistency has been the challenge for the Caribbean side, but Matthews believes her team are capable of beating anyone on their day.
She said: “We always go out there trying to play our best cricket and win. New Zealand are a strong side with a lot of star players.
“We’ll need to work hard to keep players like Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine quiet, but it’s also about executing our own plans. At our best, we believe we can beat anyone.”
One player who will have a big role to play is Deandra Dottin, who scored 49 and then 46 in warm-up matches against India and Australia.
While the West Indies lost both games, her hitting power remained as destructive as ever, and Matthews hopes she can carry that form into the tournament.
Matthews said: “She’s hugely important. She’s capable of changing a game with bat, ball or in the field.
“We’re very glad she’s part of our squad. When Deandra is striking the ball well, she’s dangerous for any opposition.”