Lea Tahuhu Retires From ODI Cricket: New Zealand Fast Bowler Ends 15-Year Career

A defining career has come to a close in New Zealand cricket. Lea Tahuhu, the White Ferns’ all-time leading ODI wicket-taker, has announced her retirement from one-day international cricket after a remarkable 15-year run. The 35-year-old fast bowler will continue to represent New Zealand in the T20 format, with her sights set on defending the team’s World Cup title in England later this year.

Tahuhu made her ODI debut against Australia in Brisbane in June 2011, entering the international arena as a 20-year-old. She departs the 50-over game with an impressive record: 125 wickets in 103 matches, at an average of 28.01 and an economy rate of 4.54. Her longevity and consistent performance have cemented her status as a pivotal figure in New Zealand women’s cricket.

“It’s always been a privilege and honour to pull on the White Ferns shirt in ODI cricket,” Tahuhu said in a statement released by New Zealand 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’s impact extends beyond mere statistics. She participated in four ODI World Cups – 2013, 2017, 2022, and 2025 – and holds the New Zealand record for most wickets taken in the tournament with 36. She was also recognized internationally, earning selection to the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year in 2023, a testament to her sustained excellence.

At her peak, Tahuhu was renowned as one of the fastest bowlers in the women’s game, consistently challenging batters with her pace and aggression. She is one of only twelve players to have represented New Zealand in over 100 ODI matches, a mark of her dedication and consistency.

New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer paid tribute to Tahuhu’s contributions, emphasizing the significance of her achievements. “Lea has operated at the top of the women’s ODI game for 15 years, which is a huge achievement for a pace bowler,” Sawyer said. “Lea’s pace has always been a strength, but her competitiveness and drive to push this team forward has stood out and that has rubbed off on the younger bowlers who are now coming through and learning their craft in the ODI game.”

Sawyer also highlighted Tahuhu’s leadership qualities. “Lea has been the senior member of the ODI bowling group for some time and leaves the group in a great place moving into the next four-year cycle, which is a testament to her leadership.”

While Tahuhu is stepping away from ODIs, she remains a vital part of the New Zealand T20 squad. Her focus now shifts to the shorter format, where she played a crucial role in the team’s historic T20 World Cup victory in 2024. She is eager to contribute to New Zealand’s defense of that title 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,” Tahuhu stated. “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.”

New Zealand Cricket has confirmed that Tahuhu will be included in the squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, with the team announcement scheduled for March 10th. The series is set to begin on March 15th, providing Tahuhu with an immediate opportunity to showcase her skills in the format she will now prioritize.

Tahuhu’s decision to retire from ODIs marks the end of an era for New Zealand women’s cricket. Her impact on the game, both on and off the field, will be felt for years to come. As she transitions to focus on T20 cricket, she carries with her a legacy of dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to the White Ferns.