It was a symbolic moment at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on October 23, 2025, when New Zealand’s seasoned pacer Lea Tahuhu stepped out for her 200th international appearance.
The 35-year-old stalwart marked the landmark in the White Ferns’ sixth group-stage clash against India, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, in the ongoing 13th ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, beginning at 3 PM IST. It’s another proud chapter in a career defined by resilience, pace, and longevity that has made Tahuhu synonymous with New Zealand’s fast-bowling identity over the past 14 years.
Her journey from debuting against Australia back in 2011 to becoming the spearhead of the White Ferns’ attack is not merely statistical; it’s a story of evolution, passion, and impact across formats, tournaments, and generations.
Tahuhu’s ODI debut came on June 14, 2011, against Australia in Brisbane, heralding the arrival of a bowler who would eventually become one of New Zealand’s most trusted match-winners. In the 101 ODIs she has played so far, Tahuhu has claimed 124 wickets at an average of 27.87 and an economy rate of 4.52, highlighted by three four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul.
Her finest ODI spell came on September 21, 2021, at Leicester, where she produced sensational figures of 10-1-37-5 against England, guiding New Zealand to a memorable three-wicket victory. Beyond her bowling exploits, Tahuhu’s contributions with the bat have been equally valuable in pressure situations, adding 440 runs at a strike rate of 81.93 from 68 innings.
The milestone of her 100th ODI appearance earlier this month, against Bangladesh in Guwahati, was a testament to her enduring class. She chipped in with a vital cameo of 12* off 4 balls and followed it up with a decisive 3-wicket haul (6-0-22-3) as New Zealand sealed a 100-run victory, their first win in the tournament. It was a quintessential Tahuhu performance: impactful, disciplined, and timely.
Since her T20I debut against India on June 25, 2011, in Bristol, Lea Tahuhu has been the heartbeat of New Zealand’s pace unit in the shortest format. Across 98 T20Is, she has picked up 95 wickets at an excellent average of 19.96 and an economy of 6.41, including two four-wicket hauls.
Her standout T20I performance came in Christchurch on December 2, 2022, when she tore through Bangladesh’s lineup with remarkable figures of 4-0-6-4, setting up a commanding 132-run victory. In addition to her bowling feats, she has shown flashes of power with the bat lower down the order, scoring 247 runs at a strike rate of 108.81 and an average of 10.73 across 37 innings, often providing crucial late-order impetus.
The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup has long been Tahuhu’s stage of excellence. Having made her tournament debut on February 1, 2013, against South Africa at Cuttack, where she returned with figures of 9-2-27-2 in a 151-run win, Tahuhu has featured in 22 World Cup matches across four editions.
She is currently New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Women’s ODI World Cup history, with 35 wickets at an average of 20.17 and an economy rate of 4.28, including the best of 4 for 27. That memorable spell came on February 8, 2013, at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai, when she demolished Sri Lanka’s top order to seal an 8-wicket win, earning her the Player of the Match award.
In the ongoing 2025 edition, Tahuhu has already impressed as New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker with 9 wickets at 12.33 and an economy of 4.26 from four innings, placing her fifth overall in the tournament’s bowling charts. Her consistency and leadership with the new ball have been pivotal in keeping the White Ferns competitive, especially amid rain-affected fixtures that have shaped their campaign.
As New Zealand, led by Sophie Devine, heads into their crucial sixth fixture against India, they stand fifth in the points table with four points from five matches, a campaign that has seen early setbacks, steady recovery, and the determination of senior pros like Tahuhu keeping their semi-final hopes alive. From her sharp seam movement to her composed presence in tense situations, Lea Tahuhu’s career is a blend of heart and discipline that continues to inspire New Zealand’s next generation.
Reaching the 200-match milestone is more than a number; it is a landmark of commitment, durability, and excellence. As she steams in under the Mumbai sun on October 23, the roar from the White Ferns’ camp not only celebrate a bowler’s longevity, but a leader’s legacy.
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