Who Is Jacob Duffy? New Zealand Star Who Replaced Ben Sears In Champions Trophy

Who Is Jacob Duffy [Source: @pineynz/x.com]

The Champions Trophy 2025 is just getting spicier and New Zealand has made a key change to their squad. Otago speedster, Jacob Duffy has been called up as a replacement for Ben Sears, who was ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

While Duffy might not be a household name for many, the 29-year-old fast bowler is no stranger to New Zealand’s domestic circuit and international cricket. He has been a wicket-taker for Otago and made headlines with his international debut back in 2020.

Duffy’s inclusion in New Zealand squad for Champions Trophy 2025 adds an exciting dimension to New Zealand’s pace attack. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and extract bounce, he could be a crucial weapon for the Kiwis. If you’re wondering who Jacob Duffy is and what he brings to the table, we’ve got you covered.

Jacob Duffy Career And Stats

Born on August 2, 1994, Jacob Duffy made his senior debut for Otago at just 17 years old in 2012. It didn’t take long for him to make a mark. By the time the 2017–18 Plunket Shield season ended, Duffy was one of the top wicket-takers for Otago, picking up 29 wickets in eight matches.

His success continued in the 2018–19 Ford Trophy, where he topped Otago’s bowling charts with 25 dismissals in 11 matches. In the Super Smash T20, he was again among the leading wicket-takers with 13 scalps in nine games. Duffy’s domestic exploits made him an automatic pick for New Zealand A and, later, the national side.

Jacob Duffy’s international debut couldn’t have gone better. He made his T20I debut against Pakistan in December 2020, grabbing 4/33 and winning the Player-of-the-Match award. It was a dream start for the Southlander, who became the first player from Southland to represent New Zealand since Jeff Wilson in 1993.

After infrequent appearances for New Zealand, Duffy earned his first central contract in 2024 and cemented his spot in the national setup. His domestic dominance, particularly in the Plunket Shield where he became Otago’s leading wicket-taker across all formats, has been phenomenal.

Last month, he bagged the Player of the Series award in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The lanky speedster grabbed 8 wickets in 3 matches at an average of 8.25.

Jacob Duffy Stats Across Formats

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What is Jacob Duffy’s Bowling Speed?

Jacob Duffy isn’t just about swing, he’s got decent pace too. While he isn’t among the express fast bowlers clocking 145+ km/h, he consistently bowls in the 130–140 km/h range, combining pace with sharp movement off the pitch. His real weapon is his ability to move the ball both ways, making life difficult for batters.

It is worth mentioing that early in his career, his action had issues; his delivery stride collapsed which hampered his progress. However, through hard work and technical tweaks, he straightened his follow-through and sharpened his skills.

Meanwhile, the Champions Trophy 2025 is the perfect stage for him to show what he is made of. If he gets his rhythm right, expect him to grab headlines and trouble even the best batters in the business.

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