Auckland, 8 March 2026:
New Zealand fast bowler Lea Tahuhu has retired from One-Day International cricket, ending a 15-year career in which she became the country’s most successful bowler in the format.
Tahuhu, 35, made her ODI debut against Australia in June 2011 as a 20-year-old and finished with 125 wickets in 103 matches at an average of 28.01 and an economy rate of 4.54 — the best tally by a New Zealand bowler in women’s ODIs.
Regarded at her peak as one of the fastest bowlers in the women’s game, Tahuhu played in four ODI World Cups (2013, 2017, 2022 and 2025). Her 36 wickets in World Cups are the most by a New Zealand bowler in the tournament.
Her last ODI appearance came against England at the 2025 World Cup. She is one of only 12 New Zealand players to feature in more than 100 women’s ODIs.
“It’s always been a privilege to wear the White Ferns shirt in ODI cricket,” Tahuhu said in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket. “To represent my country more than 100 times is something I never dreamed of, and I walk away incredibly proud.”
Tahuhu will continue to play T20 internationals and franchise cricket. She was part of New Zealand’s squad that won the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup and is expected to be included in the team for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.
Head coach Ben Sawyer praised Tahuhu’s longevity, saying her pace, competitiveness and leadership helped shape the next generation of bowlers.
