Born on September 23, 1990, Lea-Marie Maureen Tahuhu has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket. Known for her fiery pace and right-arm fast bowling, she has been a valuable asset to the New Zealand women’s cricket team since her international debut in June 2011.
A Trailblazer’s Journey
Lea-Marie Tahuhu’s journey in cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. She made her international debut for the New Zealand women’s cricket team at a relatively young age and quickly became a prominent figure in the sport.
Recognition on the World Stage
In December 2017, Tahuhu’s exceptional skills earned her a place in the prestigious ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year. This recognition highlighted her prowess in the shortest format of the game and solidified her status as one of the world’s top fast bowlers.
Central Contract and International Milestones
The year 2018 marked a significant milestone in Tahuhu’s career as she was awarded a central contract by New Zealand Cricket. This honor was a testament to her consistent performances and dedication to the game, especially following successful tours of Ireland and England.
Tahuhu’s inclusion in New Zealand’s squad for the 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 tournament in the West Indies showcased her importance in the national setup. She was not only a part of the squad but was also identified as one of the players to watch, signifying her potential to make a significant impact on the global stage.
Global Franchises and World Cups
Tahuhu’s talent transcended international cricket, as she joined the Melbourne Renegades’ squad for the 2018–19 Women’s Big Bash League season. Her participation in the WBBL highlighted her adaptability and ability to excel in various cricketing environments.
In January 2020, she was once again named in New Zealand’s squad, this time for the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup held in Australia. Her inclusion in such a prestigious tournament underscored her importance in the national team’s quest for glory.
In August 2021, Tahuhu made a remarkable comeback to the New Zealand squad for the limited-overs series against England. Her return to international cricket was particularly inspiring, considering she had been diagnosed with a mole on her left foot, which kept her away from the game for 18 months. Her determination and resilience were on full display during this period.
Historic Five-Wicket Haul
September 21, 2021, was a historic day for Lea-Marie Tahuhu as she achieved a significant milestone in her career. In the third match against England, she recorded her first-ever five-wicket haul in Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs). This achievement added another feather to her cap and showcased her ability to perform under pressure on the international stage.
A Home World Cup and Commonwealth Games
In February 2022, Tahuhu received another prestigious opportunity when she was named in New Zealand’s squad for the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup, hosted in her home country. Playing in a World Cup on home soil was undoubtedly a dream come true for the talented fast bowler.
Further adding to her international commitments, Tahuhu was selected to represent New Zealand in the cricket tournament at the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, England, in July 2022. This event allowed her to continue showcasing her cricketing prowess on the global stage.
Personal Life and Achievements
Outside of cricket, Lea-Marie Tahuhu attended Aranui High School and was awarded the prestigious Peter Hooton Memorial Scholarship in 2008, highlighting her excellence both on and off the field. Notably, Tahuhu is married to fellow international cricketer Amy Satterthwaite. Their personal and professional partnership showcases the depth of talent and commitment to the game within their family.
On January 13, 2020, Amy Satterthwaite gave birth to their child, leading to an extended paid maternity leave—a decision that reflected the growing support for women cricketers and the importance of work-life balance in the modern game.
Lea-Marie Maureen Tahuhu’s journey in cricket has been filled with accomplishments, challenges, and a burning passion for the game. Her dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence have solidified her status as one of New Zealand’s finest fast bowlers, and her contributions to women’s cricket continue to inspire generations of cricketers.
