Nicholas Frederick Kelly was born on 25 July 1993 in Melbourne, Australia, but qualifies for New Zealand. He began his professional career in New Zealand domestic cricket, making his first‑class debut for Wellington in the Plunket Shield on 23 October 2015 and his List A debut in the Ford Trophy on 6 January 2016. Over the following seasons he has represented Northern Districts, Otago and Wellington, establishing himself as a regular top‑order batsman in the country’s domestic competitions.
Kelly earned his New Zealand ODI debut on 29 March 2025 against Pakistan, scoring 15 runs. He has played eight ODIs, making 265 runs at an average of 33.13 and a strike‑rate of 75.07, with three half‑centuries and a highest score of 83. In T20 Internationals he has appeared in seven matches, scoring 97 runs at 16.17 and a top score of 39. His most notable innings came in April 2026 when he hit 83 against Bangladesh, though New Zealand lost.
Nick Kelly: quick facts
- Born: 25 July 1993, Melbourne
- Team: New Zealand
Nick Kelly career statistics
Batting
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | Strike rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 8 | 8 | 265 | 83 | 33.13 | 75.07 | 0 | 3 |
| T20Is | 7 | 7 | 97 | 39 | 16.17 | 110.23 | 0 | 0 |
Figures as of 14 November 2026. Figures from Cricsheet (cricsheet.org), Open Data Commons Attribution licence.
Digital marketing that shows up in revenueNick Kelly’s domestic career
Kelly entered New Zealand’s first‑class scene with Wellington, debuting in the Plunket Shield on 23 October 2015. Batting in the top order, he contributed solid starts that helped the side in several matches during his inaugural season. A month later, on 6 January 2016, he made his List A debut in the Ford Trophy, where he continued to develop his technique against a range of domestic bowlers. These early outings laid the foundation for his reputation as a dependable middle‑order batsman in the national circuit.
In June 2018 Kelly secured a professional contract with Northern Districts for the 2018–19 season, gaining regular playing time across both first‑class and List A formats. Two years later, in June 2020, he accepted a contract with Otago ahead of the 2020–21 domestic campaign, further broadening his experience in New Zealand’s regional competitions. Throughout these moves he remained linked with Wellington, representing the province in the Super Smash and other limited‑overs tournaments, and establishing himself as a versatile batsman capable of adapting to varied conditions.
Nick Kelly’s international career
Kelly earned his first senior cap for New Zealand in a One Day International on 29 March 2025, facing Pakistan at McLean Park, Napier. Opening the batting, he contributed 15 runs to the team’s total. His selection followed a season of consistent scores for Wellington, where he had posted several half‑centuries. The match marked the beginning of his international journey, and he retained his place in the squad for subsequent series.
Across eight ODIs, Kelly has accumulated 265 runs from eight innings, averaging 33.13 and striking at 75.07 per 100 balls. He has recorded three half‑centuries, with a top score of 83. That innings came against Bangladesh on 20 April 2026 at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, where he batted for a substantial period before New Zealand fell short. He followed it with a 64 against the West Indies at Kensington Oval on 21 July 2026 and a 59 versus Bangladesh at Chattogram on 23 April 2026, demonstrating his ability to build innings in varied conditions.
Kelly made his T20 International debut on 15 March 2026 against South Africa at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, scoring modestly in the short format. To date he has featured in seven T20Is, scoring 97 runs at an average of 16.17 and a strike‑rate of 110.23, with a highest score of 39. His most effective T20 knock was 39 against Bangladesh at Chattogram on 27 April 2026. In the most recent ODI window, he played a single match in November 2026, adding four runs to his tally.
Nick Kelly: frequently asked questions
When was Nick Kelly born?
Nick Kelly was born on 25 July 1993 in Melbourne.
Where is Nick Kelly from?
Nick Kelly was born in Melbourne, New Zealand.
Which teams has Nick Kelly played for?
Nick Kelly plays international cricket for New Zealand.
When did Nick Kelly make an international debut?
Nick Kelly made an ODI debut against Pakistan at McLean Park, Napier on 29 March 2025. Nick Kelly made a T20I debut against South Africa at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on 15 March 2026.
What is Nick Kelly’s highest score?
Nick Kelly’s highest score is 83 in ODIs and 39 in T20Is.
