Jacob Duffy, aged 31, is making his mark in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after a stellar 2025 season where he broke a four-decade-old New Zealand cricket record by taking 81 wickets for the Black Caps. His journey to international cricket was not immediate, as he debuted at 26 and had to wait for a consistent run of games to prove himself.
Duffy emphasized the importance of patience in his career, stating that waiting for opportunities and gaining experience through A tours were crucial in his development as a player who can perform well under pressure. He highlighted the significance of self-belief and the process of proving oneself in high-pressure moments in international cricket.
Born in Lumsden, Duffy credited his progress in cricket to bowling to his older brothers in the backyard. Off the field, he is anticipating the arrival of his first child with his wife Natasha in mid-June. Additionally, Duffy is looking forward to completing his World Cup campaign and participating in his debut IPL season with Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he aims to learn from experienced players like Josh Hazlewood and Virat Kohli.
Duffy expressed gratitude for the camaraderie among New Zealand pacemen, including Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Kyle Jamieson, highlighting their support and shared learning experiences. He reflected on the excitement of being part of the World Cup action, describing it as a dream come true and emphasizing the special significance of such pinnacle events in a cricketer’s career.
