Martin Guptill has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, drawing the curtain on a stellar career that established him as one of New Zealand's greatest white-ball players. Although he last represented the Black Caps in October 2022, Guptill, 38, will continue his cricketing journey in T20 leagues worldwide.
Currently playing for Auckland in the domestic Super Smash, Guptill has also joined the PSL draft, with Islamabad United retaining the option to include him in their squad.
Guptill’s international career is studded with accomplishments. In ODIs, he scored 7346 runs in 198 matches, ranking third among New Zealand’s top run-getters, behind Ross Taylor and Stephen Fleming. He remains the nation’s highest scorer in T20Is, amassing 3531 runs in 122 games at an average of 31.81 and a strike rate of 135.70.
Although his Test career (2586 runs in 47 matches at 29.38) was less impactful, his achievements in limited-overs cricket are unforgettable.
Reflecting on his career, Guptill expressed pride in representing his country in 367 matches. "Playing for New Zealand was a dream come true," he shared in an NZC statement. He thanked his teammates, coaches, fans, and especially his family for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
Guptill made a sensational ODI debut in 2009, scoring 122 not out against the West Indies. His monumental 237 not out in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final remains the second-highest individual score in ODI history. His performances in the tournament, where he was the leading scorer with 547 runs, played a crucial role in New Zealand’s journey to the final.
In the 2019 World Cup, Guptill’s remarkable direct-hit run-out of MS Dhoni in the semi-final was a pivotal moment that helped New Zealand secure a spot in their second consecutive final. Despite a quieter tournament with the bat, his fielding brilliance and contributions remained invaluable.
Guptill continued to shine in T20 cricket, being part of New Zealand’s squads for the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups. However, in late 2022, he relinquished his central contract to explore opportunities in T20 leagues globally, featuring in competitions such as the BBL, PSL, CPL, ILT20, and Nepal Premier League.
His exceptional contributions to New Zealand cricket will be celebrated on January 11 during the third ODI against Sri Lanka at Eden Park. Reflecting on Guptill’s legacy, Tom Latham praised his world-class ball-striking and fielding standards.
As Guptill steps away from the international arena, he leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a reputation as one of cricket’s finest white-ball players. Fans and teammates alike will fondly remember his ability to dominate bowlers and deliver match-winning contributions for the Black Caps.
Updated on 9th January, 2025 by MyFortune11 Team.