Jacob Duffy became the first native Southlander to play for New Zealand since 1993 and now leads the ICC T20I bowling rankings.
Jacob Duffy made history as the first cricketer from Southland to represent New Zealand in international matches since Jeff Wilson did so in 1993. The right-arm pace bowler earned his spot in the national team after outstanding performances against Pakistan, securing the top position in the current ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings. Reflecting on his career journey, Jacob Duffy became the first player from his native Southland region to wear the New Zealand jersey since Jeff Wilson when he debuted in a Twenty20 International in December 2020. Duffy possesses all the natural attributes a fast bowler requires. Standing tall, he initially struggled to fully utilize his physical gifts but eventually mastered the ability to swing the ball both ways. When he first joined New Zealand’s Under-19 squad, his bowling action during the delivery stride showed flaws, yet he corrected these issues as he progressed through higher levels of competition. The fast bowler credited his technical improvements—including refining his follow-through—for earning his maiden international call-up in late 2020. After claiming four wickets and earning Player-of-the-Match honors in his first game against Pakistan, Duffy saw limited opportunities in the next three years. However, in 2024, he was handed his first central contract, recognizing his growing importance to the team. At the domestic level, particularly in the four-day Plunket Shield competition, he remained a dominant force for his side. In 2023, Duffy surpassed Stephen Boock’s nearly 30-year-old record as Otago’s leading wicket-taker across all formats by taking nine wickets in a match against Northern Districts in Dunedin. Now, the New Zealand pacer stands at the pinnacle of the ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings. Born on August 2, 1994, in the small village of Lumsden, New Zealand’s Southland region, Jacob Duffy grew up in a cricket-loving family. His introduction to the sport came from his father, Ryan Duffy, who also played cricket. Duffy honed his skills and developed a deep passion for the game while attending Southland Boys’ High School in Invercargill. Jacob Duffy wears the number 27 jersey in both domestic and international cricket. Below is his current net worth. Fast-medium bowler Jacob Duffy, hailing from Lumsden in Southland, has participated in 13 One Day Internationals, securing 24 wickets at an average of 25.29, conceding roughly 6.15 runs per over, with his best figures being 3 for 35. Across 23 T20 Internationals, he has taken 32 wickets at an average of 16.09, allowing approximately 6.99 runs per over, with a best performance of 4 for 14. Jacob Duffy made his ODI debut for New Zealand against Ireland on July 12, 2022. All images are used for editorial purposes only and are licensed solely with Getty/Source.