White Ferns and Otago Sparks all-rounder Sarah Tsukigawa has announced her retirement from First-Class and International cricket.
Tsukigawa, 29, first represented New Zealand in 2005/06 and played 42 One-Day International matches for the White Ferns, averaging 22.12 with the bat with a high score of 78*. She took 35 wickets at an average of 32.02 at an economy of 4.38 runs per over. In Twenty20 cricket, Tsukigawa represented her country on 19 occasions.
Along with an outstanding career for her country, Tsukigawa represented the Otago Sparks 103 times in a career starting in 1998/99. She scored 2023 runs at an average of 24.97 including two centuries and 11 half centuries. She played 43 Twenty20 matches for Otago, accumulating 480 runs and taking 37 wickets.
A hard hitting middle order batman and a dogged medium pacer who was difficult to score off, Tsukigawa was always a threat with bat or ball in hand.
White Ferns coach Gary Stead paid tribute to Tsukigawa’s career, especially her experience and commitment.
“Sarah will be missed immensely at domestic and international levels.
“The experience she has developed in her 12 years cannot be replaced and the leadership capabilities and respect she has within the Otago Sparks and White Ferns sides is huge.
“Sarah has always given one hundred percent to whatever is required and leaves a hole in both of the sides she has enjoyed representing so much”.
Sarah Tsukigawa
DOB: January 16, 1982
Right-hand bat
Right-arm medium
