Record-Breaking Jacob Duffy Secures Spot in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup Squad
New Zealand’s leading pace bowler, Jacob Duffy , has been named in the Black Caps ’ 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. This selection marks a major milestone in the 31-year-old’s career, as he prepares for his maiden appearance at a T20 World Cup after an outstanding year in international cricket.
Duffy’s inclusion follows a remarkable 2025 season in which he took 81 wickets across international formats, demonstrating impressive consistency and skill. His wicket haul surpassed Sir Richard Hadlee’s long-standing New Zealand record of 79 wickets in a calendar year, establishing Duffy as one of the nation’s most effective bowlers in recent times. His outstanding form has propelled him to second place in the ICC T20 bowling rankings, cementing his status as one of the world’s top pace bowlers ahead of the tournament.
Head coach Rob Walter backed Duffy’s selection by highlighting his adaptability and form, stressing that the squad blends experience with conditions-specific strengths suited to sub-continental pitches. New Zealand’s decision to name Duffy alongside seasoned pacers such as Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Adam Milne reflects a strategic emphasis on pace depth, while the inclusion of Jimmy Neesham as a seam-bowling all-rounder adds balance to the attack.
Leading the squad is captain Mitchell Santner , who brings vast leadership experience in his ninth senior ICC event. The bowling unit is further strengthened by spinners Ish Sodhi and all-rounders such as Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, and Rachin Ravindra, crucial for the spin-friendly conditions expected in India and Sri Lanka.
New Zealand’s batting lineup is equally robust, featuring explosive talents like Finn Allen and dependable performers such as Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, and Daryl Mitchell. Wicketkeeping duties are handled by Tim Seifert, whose dual role adds tactical flexibility. The squad’s blend of youth, aggression, and experience gives New Zealand a solid foundation for a competitive run in the tournament.
Duffy’s inclusion not only rewards his individual brilliance over the past year but also signifies a new chapter for the Black Caps’ bowling strategy. While many members of the squad boast over a thousand T20 international caps collectively, Duffy remains the only player yet to feature in a T20 World Cup, making his selection a compelling narrative in New Zealand’s World Cup build-up.
The Black Caps find themselves in Group D alongside Afghanistan, South Africa, UAE, and Canada, with their campaign kicking off against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8. With a balanced squad and Duffy’s red-hot form, New Zealand will be among the teams to watch as they aim to turn promise into performance on cricket’s biggest T20 stage.
Duffy’s inclusion follows a remarkable 2025 season in which he took 81 wickets across international formats, demonstrating impressive consistency and skill. His wicket haul surpassed Sir Richard Hadlee’s long-standing New Zealand record of 79 wickets in a calendar year, establishing Duffy as one of the nation’s most effective bowlers in recent times. His outstanding form has propelled him to second place in the ICC T20 bowling rankings, cementing his status as one of the world’s top pace bowlers ahead of the tournament.
Head coach Rob Walter backed Duffy’s selection by highlighting his adaptability and form, stressing that the squad blends experience with conditions-specific strengths suited to sub-continental pitches. New Zealand’s decision to name Duffy alongside seasoned pacers such as Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Adam Milne reflects a strategic emphasis on pace depth, while the inclusion of Jimmy Neesham as a seam-bowling all-rounder adds balance to the attack.
Leading the squad is captain Mitchell Santner , who brings vast leadership experience in his ninth senior ICC event. The bowling unit is further strengthened by spinners Ish Sodhi and all-rounders such as Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, and Rachin Ravindra, crucial for the spin-friendly conditions expected in India and Sri Lanka.
New Zealand’s batting lineup is equally robust, featuring explosive talents like Finn Allen and dependable performers such as Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, and Daryl Mitchell. Wicketkeeping duties are handled by Tim Seifert, whose dual role adds tactical flexibility. The squad’s blend of youth, aggression, and experience gives New Zealand a solid foundation for a competitive run in the tournament.
Duffy’s inclusion not only rewards his individual brilliance over the past year but also signifies a new chapter for the Black Caps’ bowling strategy. While many members of the squad boast over a thousand T20 international caps collectively, Duffy remains the only player yet to feature in a T20 World Cup, making his selection a compelling narrative in New Zealand’s World Cup build-up.
The Black Caps find themselves in Group D alongside Afghanistan, South Africa, UAE, and Canada, with their campaign kicking off against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8. With a balanced squad and Duffy’s red-hot form, New Zealand will be among the teams to watch as they aim to turn promise into performance on cricket’s biggest T20 stage.
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