New Zealand fast bowler Lea Tahuhu has announced the end of her career in One Day International cricket, closing a remarkable chapter with the White Ferns after 15 years at the top level. The experienced seamer confirmed she will continue playing T20 cricket while stepping away from the 50 over format.
The decision brings to a close one of the most influential ODI careers in New Zealand women’s cricket. Over more than a decade, Lea Tahuhu established herself as the leader of the White Ferns pace attack and one of the fastest bowlers in the global women’s game.
A Record Breaking Career In New Zealand Colours
The story behind Lea Tahuhu’s ODI retirement is defined by consistency and longevity. Across 103 matches, the right arm fast bowler claimed 125 wickets, making her the most successful ODI bowler in the history of the White Ferns.
Tahuhu made her debut in 2011 against Australia as a 20 year old and quickly became a permanent fixture in the national side. Her pace and aggression gave New Zealand a cutting edge with the new ball and helped shape the team’s bowling identity for more than a decade.
By the time she stepped away from the format, Lea Tahuhu had become one of only a small group of New Zealand players to surpass 100 ODI appearances. Her achievements place her firmly among the most significant fast bowlers the team has produced.
World Cup Appearances Highlight International Impact
Major tournaments played a defining role throughout Tahuhu’s international career. She represented New Zealand in four ODI World Cups, appearing in the 2013, 2017, 2022 and 2025 editions of the tournament.
Across those campaigns she collected 36 wickets, the most by any New Zealand bowler in Women’s ODI World Cup history. Those performances reinforced her reputation as a bowler capable of delivering on the biggest stages of international cricket.
Her final appearance in the format came during the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, where the White Ferns faced England. The match marked the end of a long ODI journey that began more than a decade earlier against Australia.
Pride In Representing The White Ferns
Reflecting on the milestone, Lea Tahuhu spoke about the honour of representing New Zealand throughout her ODI career. She described every appearance for the White Ferns as a privilege and said wearing the national jersey more than one hundred times was something she never imagined as a young cricketer.
The veteran fast bowler also expressed pride in what the team had achieved during her time in the format. For Tahuhu, the opportunity to represent her country and family remained the most meaningful part of her international journey.
Her influence extended beyond the numbers on the scoreboard. Over the years she became a senior figure within the bowling group, helping guide younger players who were entering the international setup.
Focus Shifts To T20 Cricket And Future Challenges
Although her ODI chapter has closed, Tahuhu’s international career is not over. The 35 year old will continue to represent New Zealand in T20 internationals while also remaining active in the global franchise circuit.
She was part of the squad that won the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2024, a triumph that remains one of the most significant moments in recent White Ferns history. The fast bowler has already stated her motivation to help New Zealand defend that title in England later this year.
New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer praised her impact on the team, highlighting not only her pace but also the competitive drive that defined her approach to the game. According to Sawyer, Tahuhu leaves the ODI bowling group in a strong position as the White Ferns prepare for the next cycle of international competition.
For New Zealand women’s cricket, the end of her ODI career marks the closing of a major chapter. Her legacy as the White Ferns’ most successful ODI bowler ensures that Lea Tahuhu ODI retirement will remain a significant milestone in the history of the team.
Written by 8JJ.com | March 08, 2026
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