Lea Tahuhu’s Personal Details
Name: Lea-Marie Maureen Tahuhu
Date of Birth: September 23, 1990
Batting style: Right hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right arm Medium fast
Role: Bowler
Lea Tahuhu has long been the beat of New Zealand’s fast-bowling attack. Renowned for her raw pace, aggressive approach, and ability to strike early with the new ball, Tahuhu has carved out a reputation as one of the most feared fast bowlers in women’s cricket. Since making her international debut in June 2011, she has led the White Ferns’ pace battery with consistency and resilience, standing tall across formats and against the world’s best.
Her ability to swing the ball at high speed made her an asset across formats, and by 2018, she had earned a central contract with New Zealand Cricket. Domestically and in franchise cricket, Tahuhu brought her experience and firepower to the Melbourne Renegades in the Women’s Big Bash League, where she became a key overseas recruit. Internationally, she has been a constant presence in New Zealand’s World Cup squads, including the 2020 edition in Australia and the 2022 World Cup hosted on home soil.
Her resilience was tested in 2021 when she made a remarkable comeback after being sidelined for 18 months due to a mole removal on her left foot. Returning stronger, she announced her comeback in style by claiming her maiden five-wicket haul in WODIs against England at Leicester- finishing with 5/37.
In September 2024, Tahuhu featured in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where she delivered one of New Zealand’s standouts bowling performances: 3/15 from four overs in a group stage win over India. She was also part of the squad for the ODI tour to India later that year, reaffirming her role as the White Ferns’ most experienced pacer.
From 96 ODI bowling innings, Tahuhu has taken 115 wickets, highlighted by her career-best spell of 5/37. Beyond the numbers, her fiery spells and competitive edge have provided New Zealand with the cutting edge they need in crunch games.
More than just a strike bowler, Lea Tahuhu has become a role model for the next generation of fast bowlers in New Zealand. Her blend of experience, pace, and determination ensures she remains a cornerstone of the White Ferns setup.
