When you think of New Zealand cricket, a few names immediately come to mind — Kane Williamson for his calm precision, Ross Taylor for his consistency, and then there’s Martin Guptill, the explosive opener who could light up any stadium in the world.
Born on September 30, 1986, in Auckland, New Zealand, Guptill grew up with cricket in his veins and a bat seemingly glued to his hands. Known for his fearless stroke play and unmatched timing, he has become one of New Zealand’s all-time greats in limited-overs cricket.
Even at 38, his name still commands respect every time fans discuss the best ODI and T20 openers of the modern era.
Quick Personal Profile
Personal Information | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Martin James Guptill |
Date of Birth | September 30, 1986 |
Age | 38 years (as of 2025) |
Birthplace | Auckland, New Zealand |
Role | Top-Order Batsman |
Batting Style | Right-Handed Bat |
Bowling Style | Right-Arm Offbreak |
Country | New Zealand |
How It All Began
Guptill’s story is one of resilience and pure talent. At the age of 13, he was involved in a tragic accident that cost him three toes on his left foot — yet that never stopped him. Instead, it became part of his legend. Known affectionately as “Two Toes Guppy” among teammates, Guptill didn’t just overcome adversity — he turned it into motivation to dominate world cricket.
He made his international debut in 2009, and it didn’t take long for him to make headlines. In his debut ODI against the West Indies at Eden Park, he smashed an unbeaten century — becoming the first New Zealander to score a ton on ODI debut.
That was just the beginning of what would become a storied career.
Martin Guptill’s Batting Career Stats (Updated 2025)
Guptill’s batting has always been about clean hitting and effortless timing. Let’s break down his numbers across all formats — and they’re impressive.
Test Career
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Matches: 47
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Innings: 89
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Runs: 2,586
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Balls Faced: 5,548
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Highest Score: 189
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Average: 29.39
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Strike Rate: 46.62
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Fours: 326
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Sixes: 23
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50s: 17
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100s: 3
While Guptill’s Test career may not be as decorated as his white-ball performances, he’s had moments of brilliance. His highest score of 189 stands as proof that when he got going, there was no stopping him — even in the most demanding format.
ODI Career
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Matches: 198
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Innings: 195
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Runs: 7,346
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Balls Faced: 8,414
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Highest Score: 237*
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Average: 41.5
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Strike Rate: 87.31
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Fours: 751
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Sixes: 187
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50s: 39
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100s: 18
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200s: 1
Now this is where Guptill shines brightest. His record-breaking 237 not out against West Indies in the 2015 Cricket World Cup still stands as the second-highest individual score in ODI history.
It wasn’t just a display of power; it was controlled aggression — precise, fearless, and unforgettable. Over the years, he’s been the backbone of New Zealand’s top order, consistently giving them explosive starts and setting up big totals.
T20 International Career
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Matches: 122
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Innings: 118
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Runs: 3,531
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Balls Faced: 2,602
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Highest Score: 105
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Average: 31.81
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Strike Rate: 135.71
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Fours: 310
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Sixes: 173
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50s: 20
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100s: 2
In T20Is, Guptill is pure entertainment. Few players in the world have combined brute force with elegance the way he has. Whether he’s lofting spinners over long-on or pulling fast bowlers into the stands, his confidence at the crease is infectious.
With over 3,500 runs, he remains one of the top T20I run-scorers of all time — a testament to his consistency and dominance in the shortest format.
IPL Career
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Matches: 13
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Innings: 13
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Runs: 270
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Balls Faced: 196
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Highest Score: 50
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Average: 22.5
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Strike Rate: 137.76
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Fours: 24
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Sixes: 15
Though Guptill never had an extended run in the Indian Premier League (IPL), his cameos were enough to show his ability to adapt to subcontinent pitches. With his natural power-hitting and ability to clear boundaries with ease, he’s always been a fan favorite whenever he’s featured.
Martin Guptill’s Bowling Career Stats
Guptill may not be a frontline bowler, but his part-time off-spin has occasionally provided handy breakthroughs.
Test Bowling
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Matches: 47
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Innings: 18
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Balls: 428
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Runs Conceded: 298
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Wickets: 8
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Best Figures: 3/11
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Average: 37.25
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Economy Rate: 4.18
While not often called upon, Guptill’s best bowling figures of 3/11 in Tests show that he can surprise batsmen with his off-spin when needed.
ODI Bowling
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Matches: 198
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Innings: 12
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Balls Bowled: 109
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Runs Conceded: 98
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Wickets: 4
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Best Figures: 2/6
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Economy Rate: 5.39
In ODIs, he’s occasionally chipped in with useful overs, often breaking partnerships when the main bowlers needed a rest.
T20I Bowling
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Matches: 122
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Innings: 1
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Balls Bowled: 6
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Runs Conceded: 11
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Wickets: 0
Guptill’s T20I bowling career might be short-lived, but as every fan knows, when he’s around the ball — something exciting always happens.
IPL Bowling
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Matches: 13
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Innings: 0
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Balls Bowled: 0
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Wickets: 0
Guptill hasn’t bowled in the IPL, focusing instead on his primary role as a destructive opener.
Also Read : George Dockrell Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Martin Guptill’s Career Timeline
Format | Debut Match | Last Match |
---|---|---|
T20I | vs Australia, Feb 15, 2009 – Sydney Cricket Ground | vs Bangladesh, Oct 12, 2022 – Hagley Oval |
Test | vs India, Mar 18, 2009 – Seddon Park | vs India, Oct 8, 2016 – Holkar Stadium |
ODI | vs West Indies, Jan 10, 2009 – Eden Park | vs Australia, Sep 8, 2022 – Cazaly’s Stadium |
IPL | vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Apr 18, 2016 – Rajiv Gandhi Int’l Stadium | vs Delhi Capitals, May 8, 2019 – ACA-VDCA Stadium |
Guptill’s Style of Play: Fearless and Fluid
What makes Martin Guptill so special isn’t just his stats — it’s how he scores his runs. His batting style is a mix of aggression and grace. When Guptill is in form, his straight drives are poetry, and his lofted shots over extra cover are pure power.
He has an uncanny ability to dominate fast bowlers, using quick hands and sharp footwork. His strike rotation and placement in the early overs often set the tone for New Zealand’s innings.
Career Highlights That Define Guptill
Here are a few unforgettable milestones from Guptill’s glittering career:
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237 vs West Indies (2015 World Cup):* One of the most iconic innings in World Cup history — pure dominance.
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Century on ODI Debut (2009): The perfect way to announce himself on the big stage.
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Over 3500 runs in T20Is: Among the elite list of top T20 run-scorers.
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🇳🇿 Consistent World Cup Performer: A key player in New Zealand’s 2015 and 2019 World Cup campaigns.
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Longevity: Over 15 years of international cricket — a rare feat in modern times.
The Legacy of Martin Guptill
Martin Guptill’s contribution to New Zealand cricket goes far beyond numbers. He brought flair and aggression to a team known for discipline and composure. His ability to dismantle world-class bowling attacks gave the Kiwis a new identity — fearless yet grounded.
He’s inspired countless young cricketers across New Zealand and beyond, proving that setbacks don’t define you — resilience does.
Even though he’s no longer a regular in the national team setup, Guptill’s influence still lingers. His experience and mentorship continue to guide the next generation of Kiwi cricketers.
What’s Next for Guptill?
As of 2025, Guptill’s international appearances have slowed down, but his passion for cricket hasn’t faded. Whether it’s playing in domestic leagues, mentoring younger players, or contributing to commentary and coaching, Guptill remains a beloved figure in the cricket world.
Fans still hold out hope for one more vintage Guptill innings — the kind where he walks out, eyes gleaming, and sends the ball flying into the stands with that effortless flick of his wrists.
Final Thoughts
Martin Guptill’s career is a masterclass in perseverance, power, and poise. He’s more than just a batsman; he’s an emotion for New Zealand cricket fans — the man who gave them moments of joy, pride, and awe.
From that historic 237 in 2015* to his graceful stroke play in countless T20s, Guptill’s legacy is etched into cricket history. Whether you’re a stats nerd or a casual fan, one thing’s certain — when Guptill took strike, the world stopped to watch.