Legendary New Zealand All-Rounder Hayley Jensen Retires From International Cricket

Hayley Jensen [Source: @cricable/X]

New Zealand allrounder Hayley Jensen has called time on her international cricket career, drawing the curtain on an 11-year journey. The 32-year-old, who debuted for the White Ferns in 2014, announced her retirement on Friday, leaving behind a legacy as a dual-threat stalwart in both ODIs and T20Is.

Jensen Rests Her Stellar Career

Hayley Jensen’s career, spanning 88 appearances, saw her claim 76 wickets, a testament to her value as a gritty middle-order batter and a crafty medium-pace bowler. 

In an emotional statement, Jensen reflected on a childhood dream realised and penned down with heavy heart, her thoughts on walking away from the game.

“Ever since my first cricket tournament at 10, I knew I wanted to wear the White Ferns jersey. Living that dream has been my greatest honour. This journey taught me resilience, gifted me lifelong bonds, and let me contribute to something bigger. While it’s hard to walk away, I know it’s time,” Jensen said.

Jensen's Career of Grit & Glory

Jensen’s peak moments glittered on the global stage. At the 2020 T20 World Cup, her Player of the Match spell (3-16 vs. Sri Lanka) underscored her knack for clutch performances. 

Two years later, she played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s Commonwealth Games bronze medal triumph, dismantling England with 3-24 in the playoff. A four-time T20 World Cup veteran (2014–2023) and a 2022 ODI World Cup squad member, Jensen’s career was defined by quiet consistency rather than flashy headlines.

White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer lauded Jensen’s impact, “Hayley brought heart to every game—whether swinging the ball, anchoring the innings, or uplifting the squad. Her passion was contagious, and her contributions immeasurable. We wish her the very best in her next chapter.”

As Jensen steps away, New Zealand cricket loses a tireless servant of the game and speaking of the White Ferns, they didn't have the best time this year. Notably, they lost 3-0 against Australia in Match this year for a three-match T20 affair.

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