In a moment of immense pride for New Zealand cricket, the experienced 35-year-old pacer Lea Tahuhu from Christchurch, Canterbury, celebrates her 100th ODI appearance for the White Ferns in their ongoing ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 fixture against Bangladesh, led by Nigar Sultana Joty, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on 10th October 2025.
The Sophie Devine-led side, still searching for their first win in this edition, will look to draw inspiration from Tahuhu’s landmark achievement and her consistency with the ball as Devine chose to bat first after winning the toss. With this milestone, Tahuhu becomes only the second cricketer from Christchurch, and the second pacer after former skipper Debbie Hockley, to reach the 100-ODI milestone for New Zealand, underlining her longevity, resilience, and unwavering service to the national side over a 14-year international career.
Making her ODI debut on 14th June 2011 against Australia in Brisbane, Lea Tahuhu has been a pillar of New Zealand’s pace attack for over a decade. Known for her fierce pace, movement off the seam, and natural aggression, the fast bowler has gathered 119 wickets at an average of 28.68 and an economy of 4.54 in 98 innings across her 99 matches prior to this landmark appearance. Her career-best figures, a devastating 5 for 37 against England at Leicester on 21st September 2021, remain one of the finest bowling spells ever produced by a New Zealand pacer in women’s ODIs, guiding her side to a memorable 3-wicket victory.
Across her long journey, Tahuhu has been the bridge between two generations of New Zealand women’s cricket, from the transitional years following the likes of Aimee Watkins and Nicola Browne, to the modern lineup steered by Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr. Her blend of experience, competitiveness, and passion has made her one of the most respected figures in the dressing room and a vital role model for emerging fast bowlers in the domestic circuit.
The 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup has seen Tahuhu once again stand tall as a leader of the New Zealand attack, even as the team has endured a challenging start to their campaign. After back-to-back defeats, an 89-run loss to Australia and a 6-wicket defeat to South Africa, both at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, the White Ferns arrived in Guwahati seeking redemption.
Tahuhu, however, has been among the few bright spots, claiming 4 wickets across the two fixtures. She returned with impressive figures of 8-0-42-3 against Australia in their campaign opener, in the tournament, followed by 6-0-27-1 against South Africa, making her the joint-leading wicket-taker for her side alongside the Kerr sisters, Jess and Amelia, with an average of 17.25 and an economy rate of 4.92.
Her consistency and control have been invaluable in a campaign where New Zealand’s bowling unit has been put under pressure. As the side continues their search for form, Tahuhu’s experience and leadership remain crucial to keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
Lea Tahuhu’s name already stands etched in the New Zealand record books. In the previous game against South Africa, she surpassed Catherine Campbell’s tally of 29 wickets to become the nation’s leading wicket-taker in ICC Women’s ODI World Cups, with 30 wickets at an average of 22.13 and an economy of 4.34 in 20 innings. Playing her 21st World Cup match, she continues to be New Zealand’s go-to pacer in crucial encounters.
This tournament marks her fourth consecutive appearance at an ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, reflecting her enduring fitness and adaptability across changing eras of the game. Her best performance in the marquee event came back on 8th February 2013 at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai, where she dismantled Sri Lanka’s lineup with figures of 10-2-27-4, earning the Player of the Match award as New Zealand cruised to an 8-wicket win.
As Lea Tahuhu steps onto the field for her 100th ODI, her journey stands as a tribute to perseverance and excellence, from the raw pacer who debuted in Brisbane to the seasoned campaigner now leading from the front in Guwahati. Her milestone reflects not just personal achievement but also the spirit of New Zealand cricket: grit, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the game. For the White Ferns, who are seeking momentum in the World Cup, Tahuhu’s landmark embodies both a celebration of legacy and a reminder of what steadfast experience brings to a team in pursuit of resurgence.
Loves all things female cricket