New Zealand captain Tiffen retires

New Zealand's captain Haidee Tiffen has retired from international cricket less than a fortnight after guiding her side to the World Cup final in Sydney. Tiffen, 29, announced her decision on Radio Sport on Tuesday and said the time was right to move on to other aspects of her life.

Tiffen said she had been thinking about retirement for some time now. "To wear the White Fern and to represent Canterbury for the past 10 years has been a huge privilege, especially having the opportunity to captain both my province and the national team," Tiffen said.

"I have so many amazing memories of the game - both successful highs and some gut wrenching lows but I know the experience of them all has shaped the person I am today."

Tiffen led New Zealand to second place in this year's World Cup, where they were beaten by England in the decider. A middle-order batting allrounder, Tiffen had a strong personal tournament and was the second-leading run scorer with 279 at 46.50 and scored her first international century during the World Cup.

She said while winning the 2000 World Cup at home was the highlight of her career, she had also enjoyed leading New Zealand to the 2009 final. "The team has developed so well, and we gave it everything - it was a good time to bow out."

She leaves the game second on New Zealand's all-time ODI run list, behind only Debbie Hockley. Tiffen made her international debut at the age of 19 in 1998-99 and finishes her career with 2919 runs at 30.72 from 117 one-day internationals, along with a handy collection of 49 wickets.

Justin Vaughan, New Zealand Cricket's chief executive,said Tiffen had been a wonderful ambassador for the game at home and abroad. "She has a tremendous enthusiasm for the game, and for her fellow players," Vaughan said. "She has also been an outstanding performer, recognised as one of the best middle-order batters in the game. She's deservedly earned the respect of teams around the world."

Tiffen, who took over as New Zealand's captain in early 2006, has also played representative rugby and hockey and works as a physical education teacher at a Christchurch high school.