New Zealands Lea Tahuhu Retires from ODI Cricket

[ad_1]

Wellington, March 8: New Zealand fast bowler Lea Tahuhu has announced her retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket. The 35-year-old has been a backbone of the New Zealand women’s cricket team for 15 years and will remain available for selection in T20 formats.

In a statement shared by New Zealand Cricket, Tahuhu expressed her joy and honor in wearing the team jersey, stating, “It has always been a pleasure and an honor to represent my country in ODI cricket. Playing each game has been an incredible feeling. To have represented my country in over 100 matches in ODI cricket is something I never even dreamed of.”

Tahuhu reflected on her experiences, saying, “I will cherish every moment and leave with great pride in what I have achieved in the ODI format.” She is set to play her last ODI match against England in the 2025 World Cup in India and is excited about continuing her contributions in T20 cricket.

“There are many exciting things ahead, and I am eager to keep contributing to this team in the T20 format. Winning the T20 World Cup in 2024 was a significant achievement, and I am truly motivated to help this team defend its title later this year in England,” she added.

Tahuhu is one of only 12 players to have played over 100 ODIs for the Kiwi women’s team. She has participated in four World Cups and has consistently ranked among the top 10 ODI bowlers. In 2023, she was selected for the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year.

Head coach Ben Sawyer praised her contributions, stating, “Lea has been at the top of women’s ODIs for 15 years, which is a tremendous achievement for a fast bowler. Her pace has always been a strength, but her competitive nature and drive to push this team forward have set her apart.”

Sawyer noted that Tahuhu has been a senior member of the ODI bowling group and is leaving the team in a strong position for the next four-year cycle, showcasing her leadership. He added that she should take pride in retiring as the leading wicket-taker for her country in ODIs, having set new standards for the team.

Since making her ODI debut at the age of 20 against Australia in the 2011 Rose Bowl series in Brisbane, Tahuhu has taken 125 wickets in 103 ODIs.

[ad_2]

Source link