Hayley Jensen bids farewell to international cricket after 11-year career

Divy Dubey

Hayley Jensen bids farewell to international cricket after 11-year career image

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New Zealand all-rounder Hayley Jensen has announced her retirement from international cricket -- bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned more than a decade. Her career represented the White Ferns on some of the biggest stages in women’s cricket.

Jensen played her last match in February 2023 and has now officially decided to walk away from the game. Her retirement was confirmed by the ICC on Friday -- marking the end of an 11-year career that included 88 international matches and five ICC tournaments.

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A consistent performer for New Zealand

Jensen was a dependable all-rounder who contributed regularly with both bat and ball. Across formats, she took 76 wickets and was regularly included in New Zealand’s T20 and ODI squads.

In the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, she was named Player of the Match against Sri Lanka after a three-wicket haul. She ended that tournament as New Zealand’s top wicket-taker with seven wickets.

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She was a prominent part of the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup held at home and represented New Zealand at T20 World Cups in 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023.

What did Hayley Jensen say about her decision to retire?

Reflecting on her journey, Jensen said achieving her childhood dream of becoming a White Fern was something she would always treasure.

"Ever since I was 10 years old, I came home from my first cricket tournament and knew I wanted to be a White Fern. To have had the chance to live that dream is something I’ll always treasure. It’s never easy to move on from something that’s meant this much, but I know in my heart it’s time." Jensen said.

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How did the coach react to Hayley Jensen's retirement?

White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer thanked Jensen for her contributions. He calling her a key member of the team who brought passion and commitment to every match.

“Hayley has made key contributions to the team with both bat and ball on the field and always brought a genuine passion and love for the game,” said Sawyer.

Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.