With consecutive victories in Lahore to advance to the final at the National Stadium in Karachi, New Zealand is maintaining their impressive play in the current Tri-Series. Despite some bowling failures, the squad has demonstrated exceptional consistency under Mitchell Santner’s direction.
Ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, New Zealand has had to make alterations due to the retirement of great pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee and the injury that has kept important players Rachin Ravindra and Lockie Ferguson out. The most recent setback is that Ben Sears’ hamstring injury has not healed, leading to a squad replacement.
The 30-year-old pacer Jacob Duffy has reportedly been approved by the Champions Trophy 2025 Event Technical Committee to replace Sears. Originally selected as a reserve for the Tri-Series, Duffy is now part of the starting lineup for the ICC tournament.
Duffy has demonstrated his skill in white-ball cricket by taking 18 wickets in his 10 ODI appearances for New Zealand. He recently took five wickets in five games for Otago in the local Super Smash event in New Zealand, ending with an economy rate of 7.83. With four victories, five defeats, and one draw, Otago missed the playoffs despite his performances and ended fifth in the standings.
Duffy’s addition gives New Zealand’s bowling attack more depth as they prepare for the Champions Trophy. His expertise and experience will hopefully help the squad cover for Sears and other injured players.
