ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards 2025: Melie Kerr & Matt Henry Crowned Champions

Melie Kerr and Matt Henry Shine Bright at 2025 ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards

New Zealand cricket celebrated its biggest stars and rising talents at the 2025 ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards, with Melie Kerr and Matt Henry walking away as the night’s supreme winners. The ceremony, held to honour the outstanding performances from both domestic and international cricket over the past year, once again showcased the exceptional growth and depth in New Zealand cricket.

Kerr’s Unstoppable Reign Continues at the ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards

Melie Kerr has officially entered rarefied territory in New Zealand cricket. For the third consecutive year, Kerr lifted the coveted Debbie Hockley Medal, further cementing her status as the brightest star in the WHITE FERNS lineup. Her performances over the past year have been nothing short of sensational, leaving fans and experts marvelling at her consistency, versatility, and impact across formats.

Kerr’s role in guiding New Zealand to victory in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup was a highlight of the international cricket calendar. Being named both the Player of the Final and the Player of the Tournament, Kerr made the world sit up and take notice. Her subsequent recognition by the ICC, including the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year and ICC Women’s T20I Player of the Year, was a deserving honour for a cricketer operating at the peak of her powers.

At home, Kerr dominated domestic cricket as well. She claimed the ANZ Women’s ODI Player of the Year award with her all-round stats 14 wickets and an average of 33 with the bat while also bagging the ANZ Women’s T20I Player of the Year. Not to mention, her role in leading Wellington Blaze to the Dream11 Super Smash title earned her the Super Smash Women’s Player of the Year award.

Kerr’s influence on and off the field has made her an icon not only for aspiring female cricketers in New Zealand but globally. Debbie Hockley herself called Kerr’s consistency and passion for cricket an "inspiration to us all," as she announced her as the winner.

Matt Henry’s Bowling Masterclass Dominates the Night

If Melie Kerr was the heart of the WHITE FERNS, Matt Henry was undoubtedly the spearhead of the BLACKCAPS in 2024-25. Winning the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal, the most prestigious individual men’s award at the ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards, Henry’s dominance with the ball resonated across all formats.

Henry's most outstanding moments came during the historic series win against India, where he claimed an eight-wicket haul in Bangalore a performance etched in New Zealand's cricket history. His overall tally of 25 wickets at 20.08 in five Test matches saw him win the ANZ Test Player of the Year. In ODIs, Henry continued his magic, taking 24 wickets at an incredible average of 15.50, playing a crucial role in the BLACKCAPS’ run to the Champions Trophy final.

Matt Henry’s stellar run in domestic cricket also earned him the Winsor Cup for men’s first-class bowling, having picked up 28 wickets at an average of 21.5. His ability to deliver match-defining spells under pressure saw the judges describe him as the “season’s most influential bowler.”

Celebrating Rising Stars and Domestic Dominance

While Kerr and Henry stole the show, the 2025 ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards also acknowledged several other shining stars. Jacob Duffy’s extraordinary 21 wickets at 9.71 in T20Is earned him the ANZ Men’s T20I Player of the Year, while Kane Williamson’s consistency in the longer format earned him the Redpath Cup for men’s first-class batting.

Eden Carson was another standout performer, clinching the Women’s Domestic Player of the Year and the Phyl Blackler Cup for her 40 wickets in domestic competitions. Brett Hampton, with his all-around efforts, took home the Men’s Domestic Player of the Year award.

Tom Bruce and Maddy Green added their names to the list of domestic champions, winning the Dream11 Super Smash Men’s Player of the Year and the Ruth Martin Cup, respectively.

Celebrating the Unsung Hero: Francis Payne

In a heartfelt moment, the Bert Sutcliffe Medal for Outstanding Services to Cricket was awarded to Francis Payne, a cricket historian and co-editor of the New Zealand Cricket Almanack for over four decades. Payne's contribution to preserving the rich history of New Zealand cricket was lauded, with NZC Chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon praising his storytelling, dedication, and commitment to the game.

Final Thoughts: The Future of New Zealand Cricket Looks Bright

The 2025 ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards reflected not just on the past year's triumphs but also gave fans a glimpse of a bright future for New Zealand cricket. With stars like Melie Kerr and Matt Henry setting unparalleled standards and a wave of emerging talent knocking on the international door, New Zealand cricket continues to build a legacy of excellence.

As the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS gear up for upcoming international assignments, these awards reaffirm the depth, quality, and passion driving cricket in New Zealand.