Nick Kelly

Nick Kelly, born on September 18, 1993, in New Zealand, is a stylish left-handed batter whose elegance at the crease is matched by his unwavering consistency. With a natural flair for stroke play and the grit to anchor an innings under pressure, Kelly has become a pillar of New Zealand’s domestic cricket scene. A player of resilience and adaptability, he has seamlessly transitioned across formats, blending finesse with firepower. 

Kelly's cricketing journey began to gain prominence when he debuted in New Zealand's domestic competitions. His initial years were marked by steady performances, laying the groundwork for a promising career. Over time, he developed a reputation for his solid technique and ability to anchor innings, making him a valuable asset to his teams. 

Before embarking on his domestic career in New Zealand, Kelly represented the New Zealand Under-19 team during the 2011/12 season. In five Youth One Day Internationals (ODIs), he scored 82 runs at an average of 20.50, with a top score of 62 not out.

In 2022, Kelly played for Harefield Cricket Club in the UK, where he had an impressive season. He scored nearly 1,000 runs, including centuries in his first two games and a league century against Tring. Additionally, he took a five-wicket haul in a T20 match and contributed crucial wickets in league games.

Kelly made his first-class debut in the 2015/16 season, representing Northern Districts. However, his tenure with the Otago Volts was a significant phase in his career.

During the 2021/22 Plunket Shield season, he achieved his highest first-class score of 234 not out, underscoring his potential as a top-order batter.

Nick Kelly made his List A debut for Northern Districts in the 2015/16 Ford Trophy on December 27, 2015, against Central Districts at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth. Batting at No. 5, he played a composed knock of 26 runs off 39 balls, striking two boundaries before falling to Ajaz Patel.

Nick Kelly made his T20 debut for Northern Districts in the 2015/16 Georgie Pie Super Smash on November 6, 2015, against Otago at the University Oval, Dunedin. Batting at No. 4, Kelly managed to score 5 runs off 7 balls before being dismissed by Josh Finnie. 

Seeking new challenges and opportunities, Kelly transitioned to the Wellington Firebirds, where he took on a leadership role as the team's captain. One of the standout moments in Kelly's career came during the 2024/25 Plunket Shield season in a match against his former team, Otago Volts, at the University of Otago Oval, Dunedin. In this encounter, Kelly showcased exceptional skill and concentration by scoring centuries in both innings—161 in the first innings and an unbeaten 101 in the second.  

Kelly has occasionally contributed with his slow left-arm orthodox bowling across various formats in New Zealand's domestic cricket. In First-Class cricket, he has bowled 114 deliveries over 8 innings, conceding 97 runs without securing a wicket, resulting in an economy rate of 5.10.

His T20 bowling record includes 36 balls bowled in 3 innings, yielding 49 runs for 3 wickets, with best figures of 2/11, an average of 16.33, and an economy rate of 8.16. While his bowling opportunities have been limited, these performances highlight his capability to contribute as a part-time bowler when called upon.

As a left-handed batter, Kelly is known for his elegant stroke play and ability to construct innings under pressure. His occasional slow left-arm orthodox bowling adds depth to his skill set, providing his team with additional options on the field. Beyond his on-field contributions, Kelly's leadership has been instrumental in mentoring younger players and fostering a competitive team environment.

(As of March 2025)