NZ Greats Devine, Tahuhu To Retire After World Cup

New Zealand stalwarts Lea Tahuhu and Sophie Devine have confirmed they will be retiring at the end of this summer’s Women’s T20 World Cup.

All-rounder Devine, 36, retired from one-day internationals after last year’s 50-over tournament and has represented the White Ferns 310 times in both white-ball formats since her debut in 2006.

Since starting her career primarily as a bowler, Devine has developed into one of the world’s leading all-rounders with 3,587 runs and 128 wickets in T20s.

Fast bowler Tahuhu, 35, has earned more than 200 caps and both played key roles in New Zealand’s surprise T20 World Cup win in the United Arab Emirates in 2024.

Their departures from the international game will see New Zealand undergoing a significant transition, as fellow veteran Suzie Bates confirmed last week that she will also retire after their attempt to regain the title.

The trio have been the backbone of New Zealand’s side for the past 15 years.

“To have our three most senior players all finishing their careers at the same tournament is a rare and special occasion,” said head coach Ben Sawyer.

“All three have had distinguished careers in their own right and have given so much to this team and the game in general.”

The White Ferns will be led by star all-rounder Melie Kerr for the World Cup, who was the leading wicket-taker in their triumph two years ago.

They also play three ODIs and three T20s against England before the World Cup, starting on 10 May at Chester-le-Street.

New Zealand T20 World Cup squad: Melie Kerr (capt), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis (wk), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp (wk), Lea Tahuhu. – BBC