Lea Tahuhu announces retirement from ODIs

New Zealand fast bowler Lea Tahuhu has announced her retirement from One Day Internationals (ODI). The 35-year-old, however, will continue to represent the White Ferns in T20Is.

Tahuhu has called it quits on a 15-year-long ODI career which commenced back in 2011 against Australia in Brisbane. Over the course, the right-arm fast bowler played 103 times for New Zealand and took 125 wickets at an economy rate of just 4.54. Tahuhu registered her best figures of 5 for 37 against England in 2021 in Leicester to help her side secure a three-wicket win. 

Widely regarded as one of the greatest ODI players for New Zealand, Tahuhu represented her nation in four ODI World Cups, taking 36 wickets, the most by a Kiwi bowler. 

“It’s always been a privilege and honour to pull on the White Ferns shirt in ODI cricket. To get one game was an amazing feeling. To have been able to wear the shirt and represent my country and my family over 100 times in ODI cricket is something I never could have dreamt of. I’ll treasure every moment and walk away from the ODI game incredibly proud of what I’ve been able to achieve in the format,” Tahuhu said in a statement. 

New Zealand aim to defend their title

Tahuhu will continue to play T20I for New Zealand and franchise cricket around the globe. The seam bowler will represent the White Ferns at the 2026 T20 World Cup as they look to defend their T20 crown in England later this year. 

“There’s plenty of exciting things ahead and I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute to this team in the T20 format. Winning the T20 World Cup in 2024 was a huge achievement and I’m really motivated to be over in England later this year to help this team defend our title,” she added in her statement. 

New Zealand are set to commence their title defense on June 13 against West Indies in Southampton.