Veteran New Zealand fast bowler Lea Tahuhu marked a significant career milestone on March 22, 2026, becoming only the fifth player from the country to feature in 100 Women’s T20 Internationals. The achievement highlighted her longevity and contribution to the White Ferns across more than a decade at the international level.
Tahuhu reached the landmark during the fourth T20I against South Africa at Sky Stadium in Wellington. Her experienced presence formed part of the effort that helped Amelia Kerr’s side secure a six-wicket victory, sealing the five-match series with one match still to be played.
The 35-year-old first broke into international cricket with an ODI debut against Australia in Brisbane on June 14, 2011, before making her T20I debut against India in Bristol just 11 days later. Since then, she has remained a key figure in New Zealand’s white-ball bowling attack. In her milestone appearance, which came during the ongoing white-ball series against Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa from March 15 to April 4, Tahuhu returned economical figures of 2-0-15-0 as New Zealand wrapped up the series following their fourth T20I victory.
Across her T20I career, Tahuhu has built a reputation for consistency, claiming 95 wickets in 99 innings at an average of 20.32 and an economy rate of 6.42. Her record includes two four-wicket hauls. One of her standout performances came on December 2, 2022, against Bangladesh at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, where she produced figures of 4-0-6-4. Defending a target of 165, New Zealand dismissed Bangladesh for 32 in the 15th over to secure a 132-run win.
Tahuhu has also contributed valuable lower-order runs during her career, scoring 247 runs in 37 innings at a strike rate of 108.81 and an average of 10.73. Her cameos with the bat have often provided support in challenging match situations.
At the age of 35, Tahuhu’s achievement reflects both durability and sustained performance in the shortest format. As New Zealand prepares for the ODI leg of the series, the milestone serves as recognition of her long-standing impact on the White Ferns while continuing to inspire the next generation of players.
