Christchurch, March 25 (NationPress) Renowned New Zealand cricketers Jeremy Coney and Haidee Tiffen have officially been inducted into the NZC Hall of Fame, marking the first new entries since last summer's inaugural "First Eleven" unveiling.

During last summer's event, legendary players such as Bert Sutcliffe, John R. Reid, Jackie Lord, Trish McKelvey, Glenn Turner, Sir Richard Hadlee, Debbie Hockley, Martin Crowe, Emily Drumm, Daniel Vettori, and Brendon McCullum were honored.

Coney, who captained the New Zealand men's team during its inaugural “Golden Era” in the 1980s, and Tiffen, recognized as a premier all-rounder from 1999 to 2009, are the first honorees of the latest induction.

Tiffen, a remarkable figure in women’s cricket, made her debut against South Africa at just 19 years old in 1999, achieving 128 international caps (53 as captain) in various formats, including an impressive run of 71 consecutive ODIs.

She played a vital role in New Zealand’s 2000 World Cup victory on home soil, accumulating 187 runs at an average of 46.75.

As a leader, Tiffen guided the team to the 2009 World Cup final in Australia, where she excelled with 279 runs at an average of 46.50, including a century against Pakistan during her second-to-last international match.

An outstanding all-rounder, she was nominated for the ICC Women’s Player of the Year in 2006 and showcased her skills in batting and bowling, contributing to New Zealand’s first women’s T20I against England in 2004 and amassing 124 runs in her two Test matches.

“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is an incredible honor, especially alongside role models like Debbie Hockley, Sir Richard Hadlee, and Emily Drumm. I am deeply thankful to the sport and all those who supported me,” expressed Tiffen.

Known for his bravery, Coney led the New Zealand men’s team to a historic trio of Test series wins in 1985 and 1986: against Australia in Australia, Australia in New Zealand, and England in England, all first-time achievements.

Excelling across batting, bowling, fielding, and leadership, he was especially noted for his performance under pressure. His first Test century of 174 not out against England at the Basin Reserve in 1984 came after New Zealand faced a daunting 244-run first-innings deficit, rescuing the team from almost certain defeat with an epic eight-hour stand.

Across 52 Tests, Coney tallied 2,668 runs at an average of 37.57 (which includes three centuries and 16 fifties) and took 64 catches, predominantly at second slip, where he demonstrated a near-flawless success rate.

His bowling prowess yielded 27 Test wickets and 54 in ODIs, highlighted by a pivotal four-wicket haul at Leeds in 1983, which secured New Zealand’s inaugural Test victory in England. Remarkably, in 80 ODI innings, he was only dismissed without scoring once.

Coney expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “It’s been both enjoyable and challenging. The diverse emotions experienced during both good times and bad while competing as part of a team have led to this acknowledgment alongside those I have esteemed, which is both unexpected and immensely rewarding.”