NZ Seamer Lea Tahuhu Retires From ODI Cricket

(MENAFN- IANS) Wellington, March 8 (IANS) New Zealand fast bowler Lea Tahuhu has announced her retirement from Women’s ODIs, ending her 15-year career in the format. She will remain available for selection in T20Is.

NZC said Tahuhu will be part of the White Ferns squad for the T20I series against South Africa, which will be announced on Tuesday.

Since making her ODI debut at age 20 against Australia in Brisbane during the 2011 Rose Bowl series, Tahuhu has represented New Zealand in 103 ODIs and steps away from the format as New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 125 wickets.

“It’s always been a privilege and an honor to wear the WHITE FERNS shirt in ODI cricket. Getting to play even one game was an incredible feeling. To have worn the shirt and represented my country and family over 100 times in ODIs is something I never dreamed of.

“I will cherish every moment and walk away from the ODI game incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved in this format,” Tahuhu said in a statement shared by NZC.

Tahuhu, who played her final ODI for New Zealand against England at the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India, said she is excited about what’s next in the T20 format.

“There are many exciting things ahead, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to this team in T20s. Winning the 2024 T20 World Cup was a huge achievement, and I’m really motivated to go to England later this year to help defend our title,” she said.

The 35-year-old fast bowler is one of 12 players to have played over 100 ODIs for the White Ferns and has participated in four World Cups, including the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup on home soil in New Zealand. She has consistently ranked among the top ten ODI bowlers, was widely regarded as the world’s fastest bowler at her peak, and in 2023, was named in the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year after an outstanding season.

Head coach Ben Sawyer said Tahuhu’s contributions to ODI cricket have been significant.

“Lea has competed at the top of women’s ODI cricket for 15 years, which is a huge achievement for a pace bowler. Her pace has always been a strength, but her competitiveness and drive to push this team forward have stood out, inspiring the younger bowlers who are now developing their skills in the ODI format.

“Lea has been the senior member of the ODI bowling group for some time and leaves the team in a great position heading into the next four-year cycle, which is a testament to her leadership,” said Sawyer.

Sawyer added that Tahuhu’s ODI stats speak for themselves. “Stepping down from a format where you are your country’s all-time leading wicket-taker is a remarkable achievement that Lea should be very proud of. She has reached the heights of the ODI game and set new standards for bowling in the format for the White Ferns,” he said.