New Zealand cricket mourns the end of an era as Lee Tahuhu, the 35-year-old express pace bowler, retires from ODIs after a glittering 103-match career. Available for T20s, she bows out as one of the White Ferns’ most enduring performers over 15 years.
Through New Zealand Cricket’s channels, Tahuhu opened up about her bond with the format. ‘Donning the ODI jersey brought unmatched happiness and respect. Each match was magical, and exceeding 100 games for my nation was beyond imagination,’ she expressed.
With fond memories intact and achievements etched in pride, her swan song arrives at the 2025 ODI World Cup in India versus England. Yet, T20 horizons beckon brightly.
‘Plenty of adrenaline-pumping action awaits, and I’m pumped to contribute in T20s. Securing the 2024 T20 World Cup was epic, fueling my drive to retain it in England by year’s end,’ Tahuhu declared.
Elite status marks her: among 12 with 100+ ODIs, four World Cup stints, perennial top-10 bowler, 2023 ICC ODI Team selection, and a haul of 125 wickets. Debuting young in 2011 Brisbane.
Head coach Ben Sawyer hailed her pinnacle achievement. ‘Top-tier for 15 years in women’s ODIs – phenomenal for a seamer. Speed was her edge, but competitiveness and team propulsion defined her,’ he said.
Sawyer spotlighted her guidance for the pace unit’s bright future, underscoring her leadership. New Zealand’s all-time ODI wicket queen, Tahuhu’s benchmarks elevate the sport. From Rose Bowl debut to global stages, her impact resonates profoundly.