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Martin Guptill Announces Retirement from International Cricket

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In a move that signals the end of an illustrious era in New Zealand cricket, Martin Guptill, one of the nation’s most celebrated white-ball cricketers, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. This announcement came on January 08, 2025, marking the conclusion of a remarkable 14-year career where Guptill played 367 games across all formats for his country.

A Storied Career

Guptill, now 38, made his international debut in 2009 with a bang, scoring an unbeaten 122 against the West Indies, becoming the first New Zealander to score a century on his ODI debut. This performance set the tone for a career filled with numerous records and memorable moments. He last represented New Zealand in October 2022, leaving behind a legacy as a powerhouse opener in limited-overs cricket.

  • ODI Records: Guptill racked up 7,346 runs in 198 matches with an average of 41.73, including 18 centuries. His 237 not out against the West Indies in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final remains the highest individual score by a New Zealander in ODIs and the second-highest in World Cup history.
  • T20I Achievements: With 3,531 runs in 122 matches, Guptill is New Zealand’s leading T20I run-scorer, boasting an average of 31.81 and a strike rate of 135.70, showcasing his ability to devastate bowling attacks.
  • Test Cricket: While his Test career was less prolific, with 2,586 runs from 47 matches at an average of 29.38, Guptill’s contribution in the shorter formats overshadows this aspect of his career.

Memorable Moments

  • 2015 World Cup: Guptill’s double-century in the quarter-final against West Indies was pivotal in New Zealand’s run to the final, etching his name in cricket history.
  • 2019 World Cup: Although his batting didn’t reach the same heights, his fielding was crucial, notably with a direct hit run-out of MS Dhoni in the semi-final against India, which helped New Zealand advance to the final.
  • Super Over Heartbreak: Guptill was part of the dramatic 2019 World Cup final where New Zealand controversially lost to England in a Super Over, where he was run out on the final ball.

Tributes and Future

New Zealand’s cricket community, including teammates and fans, have showered Guptill with accolades upon his retirement. Tom Latham, who opened with Guptill, praised his world-class performances and the matches he helped win for New Zealand. Guptill’s career will be officially celebrated during New Zealand’s upcoming ODI against Sri Lanka on January 11 at Eden Park, Auckland, a venue where he has been the all-time leading run-scorer for the Black Caps.

Despite stepping away from international cricket, Guptill has expressed his intention to continue playing in T20 leagues around the world, ensuring fans will still see him in action, albeit in different colors. He is currently playing for Auckland in New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition, the Super Smash, and has signed up for the PSL draft.

Legacy

Martin Guptill’s retirement is not just the end of a player’s career but the conclusion of a chapter in New Zealand cricket where he was instrumental in changing the perception of Kiwi cricket on the global stage. His blend of power, timing, and resilience at the top of the order will be sorely missed but will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. His numbers are impressive, but it’s the memories of his game-changing innings that will linger in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts.

As Guptill steps away from international cricket, he leaves behind not just records but a legacy of what it means to be a true sportsman, a dedicated team player, and one of New Zealand’s greatest white-ball cricket talents.

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