Martin Guptill, one of New Zealand's most powerful opening batsmen, is renowned for his ability to score big in limited-overs cricket. Known for his aggressive playstyle and powerful hitting, especially square of the wicket, Guptill has been a pillar in New Zealand's batting lineup, particularly in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is).
Personal Life
Guptill's journey to becoming a cricketer has a remarkable story. At the age of 13, he was involved in a forklift accident that led to the loss of three toes on his left foot, earning him the nickname "Two Toes" among his teammates. Despite this setback, Guptill pursued his cricketing career and became one of the most consistent performers for New Zealand. He attended Kelston Boys' High School before transferring to Avondale College, where his cricketing talent began to flourish. Guptill is married to Laura McGoldrick, a journalist and television presenter, and his cousin Michael Guptill-Bunce has also represented Auckland in domestic cricket.
Guptill plays domestic cricket for Auckland and club cricket for Suburbs New Lynn. He made his first-class debut in 2006, where he showcased his skill with a near-century in his second innings. Over the years, Guptill has been a popular choice in T20 leagues worldwide due to his aggressive batting style. His franchise career includes stints with teams like Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He also represented Derbyshire in county cricket and played for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League. Recently, Guptill has been part of Islamabad United and Trinbago Knight Riders, continuing to make a mark in various T20 leagues.
International Debut
ODI Debut: 10 January 2009 vs West Indies
Test Debut: 18 March 2009 vs India
T20I Debut: 15 February 2009 vs Australia
International Career Highlights
ODI Double Century: Guptill made history by becoming the first New Zealander to score a double century in ODIs, with an unbeaten 237 against the West Indies in the 2015 World Cup quarter-finals. This knock remains the highest score in World Cup history and the second-highest in ODIs.
Highest ODI Debut Score: Guptill announced his arrival in ODIs with an unbeaten 122 on debut against the West Indies, marking the highest ODI debut score by a New Zealander.
Consistent T20I Performer: Known for his explosive starts, Guptill has scored over 3,000 runs in T20I cricket, making him one of the top scorers in the format. He was the first and remains the only cricketer to score over 600 T20I runs at a single venue, Eden Park in Auckland.
Notable Series and World Cup Performances
Guptill was instrumental in New Zealand's journey to the 2015 and 2019 Cricket World Cup finals. Despite his fluctuating form in group stages, he delivered when it mattered, particularly in the 2015 quarter-final against the West Indies. His 237* was a monumental performance that not only lifted New Zealand to the semi-finals but also set the record for the highest score in a World Cup knockout match.
In 2013, Guptill scored back-to-back centuries against England, including a career-best 189* in Southampton, which was New Zealand’s highest ODI score at the time. This performance helped him set a world record for the most runs in a three-match bilateral ODI series.
Guptill's explosive batting style made him a feared opener, especially in white-ball cricket. His performances in global tournaments and bilateral series contributed significantly to New Zealand's rise as a competitive force in limited-overs formats.
Exclusion and Retirement from International Cricket
After being omitted from New Zealand's squad for the T20 series against India in late 2022, Guptill opted to release himself from his national contract, effectively stepping away from international cricket. On 26 November 2023, Guptill announced his decision to remain retired from international cricket, concluding a career that left an indelible mark on New Zealand's cricket history.
Records and Achievements
Highest Individual Score in World Cup History: 237* vs West Indies, 2015 World Cup quarter-final.
First New Zealander to Score a Double Century in ODIs: Guptill's 237* remains one of the highest individual scores in ODI cricket.
Fastest ODI Fifty by a New Zealander: Guptill's 17-ball fifty is the fastest by a New Zealand player and joint-second fastest globally.
First Man to Face and Get Dismissed by the Pink Ball in Tests: Guptill holds the unique distinction of being the first batsman to face and get out to a pink ball in day-night Test cricket.
Back-to-Back ODI Centuries Against England (2013): He scored 330 runs in a three-match ODI series against England, setting a then-record for most runs in a three-match bilateral ODI series.
Martin Guptill's career is a testament to his resilience, determination, and sheer talent. Despite facing physical challenges, Guptill emerged as one of New Zealand's most successful and prolific white-ball batsmen. His ability to score big, particularly in high-pressure games, earned him respect and admiration among fans and peers alike. Guptill's 237* in the 2015 World Cup is not just a personal achievement but a highlight in New Zealand's cricketing history, symbolizing the team's aggressive and fearless approach.
As he transitions to playing in global T20 leagues post-international retirement, Guptill remains a celebrated figure in New Zealand cricket. His legacy as a hard-hitting, dependable opening batsman continues to inspire young cricketers and cements his place as one of New Zealand's finest in the limited-overs format.
