New Zealand batter Martin Guptill confirms retirement from international cricket

One of New Zealand's white-ball greats, Martin Guptill, announced on Wednesday, January 8 that he is retiring from international cricket. Guptill played a total of 367 games for New Zealand during his career.

In Short

• Guptill last played for New Zealand in October 2022
• The opener's 237 is the highest score by a New Zealand batter in ODIs
• Guptill said it was his dream to play for New Zealand

Martin Guptill, one of New Zealand’s finest cricketers, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 38. Over a distinguished 14-year career (2009–2022), Guptill represented the Blackcpas in 367 matches across all formats, amassing 23 international centuries and setting numerous records in white-ball cricket.

Guptill retires as New Zealand’s leading T20I run-scorer, with 3,531 runs in 122 matches. In ODIs, his tally of 7,346 runs places him third on New Zealand’s all-time list, behind Ross Taylor and Stephen Fleming. Making an unforgettable debut in 2009, Guptill became the first New Zealander to score a century oin his first ODI, achieving the feat against the West Indies at Eden Park. Later that year, he earned a spot in the ICC’s World ODI XI.

Guptill’s career is highlighted by several iconic performances, none more so than his record-breaking 237 not out in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup quarter-final against the West Indies in Wellington—the highest individual score in a World Cup match and New Zealand’s first ODI double-century. Other standout knocks include an unbeaten 189 against England in 2013 and 180 not out against South Africa in 2017, both ranking among the Blackcaps' top-four ODI scores.

In T20Is, Guptill delivered two memorable hundreds: a blistering 101 not out off 69 balls against South Africa in East London in 2012 and a spectacular 105 off 54 balls against Australia in Auckland in 2018.

Though more renowned for his white-ball exploits, Guptill also contributed significantly in Tests, scoring 2,586 runs in 47 matches. His three Test centuries include a career-best 189 against Bangladesh in 2010, 109 against Zimbabwe in 2011, and 156 against Sri Lanka in 2015.

What Guptill said about his retirement

Guptill said that as a young kid, it was his dream to play for the Blackcaps and felt incredibly lucky and proud to have played 367 games for his nation. "The 38-year-old went on to thank his teammates and coaches over the years.

Guptill also paid tribute to his family and thanked the New Zealand cricket fans.

“As a young kid it was always my dream to play for New Zealand and I feel incredibly lucky and proud to have played 367 games for my country,” he said.

“I will forever cherish the memories made wearing the silver fern alongside a great group of guys.

“I want to say a huge thanks to all my team-mates and coaching staff over the years, in particular Mark O’Donnell, who has coached me since the Under 19 level and been a source of ongoing support and wisdom over my career.

“A special thanks must also go to my manager Leanne McGoldrick - all of the work behind the scenes never went unnoticed and I’ll be forever appreciative of all your support.

“To my wife Laura and our beautiful children Harley and Teddy – thank-you. Thank you Laura for the sacrifices you have made for me and our family. You’ve been my biggest supporter, my rock and my counsel through all of the ups and downs that come with the game. I am eternally grateful.

“Finally I’d like to thank all the cricket fans, here in NZ and around the world for all their support throughout the years.”

Guptill's last appearance for New Zealand came in October 2022.