The 2025 Champions Trophy is only going to get hotter, as New Zealand has made a significant roster alteration. Ben Sears, who was sidelined by a hamstring injury, has been replaced by Otago speedster Jacob Duffy.
Although many people may not be familiar with Duffy, the 29-year-old fast bowler is well-known in both local and international cricket in New Zealand. He created news with his 2020 international debut and has been a wicket-taker for Otago.
The addition of Duffy to the New Zealand side for the 2025 Champions Trophy gives their speed assault a thrilling new dimension. He might be an important weapon for the Kiwis because of his reputation for being able to swing the ball both ways and extract bounce. We have the answers to your questions about Jacob Duffy’s background and contributions.
Jacob Duffy’s Stats and Career
Jacob Duffy, who was born on August 2, 1994, made his Otago senior debut in 2012 at the age of 17. He left his imprint in no time at all. With 29 wickets in eight games by the end of the 2017–18 Plunket Shield season, Duffy was among Otago’s leading wicket-takers.
With 25 dismissals in 11 games, he topped Otago’s bowling rankings in the 2018–19 Ford Trophy, demonstrating his sustained success. With 13 wickets in nine games in the Super Smash T20, he was once again among the top wicket-takers. Due to his achievements at home, Duffy was selected for New Zealand A and then the national team without hesitation.
It couldn’t have gone better for Jacob Duffy’s international debut. In December 2020, he made his T20I debut against Pakistan, taking 4/33 and taking home the Player-of-the-Match trophy. The Southlander, who became the first Southland player to represent New Zealand since Jeff Wilson in 1993, had a fantastic start.
Duffy secured his first central contract in 2024 after making few appearances for New Zealand, solidifying his place in the national lineup. He has been incredibly dominant at home, especially in the Plunket Shield, when he became Otago’s top wicket-taker in all forms.
He won Player of the Series in a three-match Twenty20 International series against Sri Lanka last month. In three games, the lanky speedster claimed eight wickets at an average of 8.25.
Statistics for Jacob Duffy in Various Formats
What is the bowling speed of Jacob Duffy?
Jacob Duffy has a respectable speed in addition to his swing. He bowls often in the 130–140 km/h range, mixing pace with quick movement off the field, even if he isn’t one of the fastest fast bowlers who can reach speeds of 145+ km/h. His ability to move the ball both ways, which makes life tough for batters, is his true weapon.
It is important to note that he struggled with motion early in his career; his delivery stride collapsed, which hindered his advancement. But with practice and technical adjustments, he improved his follow-through and honed his abilities.
In the meanwhile, the Champions Trophy 2025 is the ideal platform for him to demonstrate his abilities. Expect him to make headlines and cause issues for even the top batters in the league if he can find his groove.
