Melie Kerr masterclass gives New Zealand hope of T20 World Cup glory

Match Centre and Scorecard

Melie Kerr will be turning her sights towards loftier targets as New Zealand strengthened their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 with their eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka.

Kerr excelled in all aspects of the game, taking 2/13, holding on to an excellent catch, and scoring 34* to take her team to victory.

A win over Pakistan in the team’s final group game will be enough to send the White Ferns into the final four, although the margin of victory could yet be decisive in guaranteeing that semi-final spot.

And yet, with Kerr in such sparkling form, New Zealand will feel like anything is possible heading into the business end of the tournament.

Kerr halted Sri Lanka in their tracks with the ball, helping dry up the runs with key batting pair Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama well-set at the crease.

And Kerr played a key part in denying Sri Lanka a big second half of their innings, bowling the dangerous Athapththu, holding on to a sharp catch to dismiss Samarawickrama, and then also dismissing number four Kavisha Dilhari.

WATCH: New Zealand back in the game with big strikes | WT20WC 2024

At the end of her four overs Kerr had figures of 2/13, had not conceded a single boundary, and played a significant role in keeping the target down, leaving New Zealand in the position to improve their NRR ahead of a final game against Pakistan.

“We set targets at the innings break and it was to win the game in the 17-18th over,” said captain Sophie Devine, who hit the winning runs with a six to finish the chase with 2.3 overs remaining.

“We’ll obviously see how results play out tomorrow, and by the Pakistan game we will know exactly (what we need).

“We will celebrate tonight's win but then go back to the drawing board.”

It was official Player of the Match Georgia Plimmer who produced the biggest contribution with the bat, scoring a superb 53 from 44 balls as New Zealand chased down their target of 116 with relative ease.

But once again Kerr was in the thick of the action for her side.

Coming to the crease at number three in the eighth over and with the score at 49/1, Kerr was still out there when her skipper hit the winning runs to seal an eight-wicket win.

Kerr played her hand perfectly, keeping the score ticking over to ensure the required run rate never rose, while making sure that she anchored the innings while first Plimmer and then Sophie Devine taking on a more attacking role at the other end.

She finished unbeaten on 34* from 31 balls.

WATCH: Melie Kerr with a brisk cover drive | WT20WC 2024

Only South African spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba has taken more wickets in the tournament so far than Kerr, while the classy right-hander finished Saturday’s game in the top ten run-scorers across the tournament.

"It is a pretty special group we have," Kerr's teammate Plimmer said after the game. "The White Ferns love each other outside of cricket as well.

"We are clear on how we want to play, trying to put our best foot forward. We have had a tough six months but to come out here and put together wins, it gives us huge confidence."

All matches at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 will be held in the two host cities of Dubai and Sharjah.

Fans can purchase tickets online or directly at the stadiums, for more information on where to buy click here.