New Zealand cricket greats Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu have announced they will retire from international cricket following the Women's T20 World Cup later this year, marking the end of an era for the White Ferns.
The 36-year-old Devine, who had already retired from one-day internationals after last year's 50-over World Cup, made her debut for New Zealand in 2006 and has amassed 310 caps across both white-ball formats. Originally a bowler, she evolved into one of the game's premier all-rounders, scoring 3,587 runs and taking 128 wickets in T20s alone.
Fast bowler Tahuhu, 35, has earned more than 200 international caps. Both players were instrumental in New Zealand's surprise T20 World Cup triumph in the United Arab Emirates in 2024.
Their departures signal a major transition for the White Ferns, coming on the heels of veteran Suzie Bates' announcement that she too will retire after the World Cup. The trio have formed the backbone of New Zealand's lineup for over 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."
Star all-rounder Melie Kerr, who was the leading wicket-taker in their 2024 World Cup victory, will captain the side during the tournament. New Zealand will also face England in three ODIs and three T20s before the World Cup begins, starting on May 10 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.