Ravichandran Ashwin, the former Indian cricketer, has lauded New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy for his outstanding performance, highlighting his impact on the 2025 Test series against the West Indies. Duffy’s remarkable five-wicket haul on Day 5 of the final Test helped New Zealand secure a 2-0 series victory, with the fast bowler finishing with 5/42 in the second innings. The West Indies, chasing a daunting target of 462, were bowled out for just 138. Duffy’s performance capped off a phenomenal year, setting a new New Zealand record for wickets in a calendar year with 81, surpassing the legendary Richard Hadlee’s previous record of 80 wickets.
Jacob Duffy’s Historic Year in Tests
The final Test of the series against the West Indies, played at Mount Maunganui, was a testament to Duffy’s skill and resilience. On the decisive Day 5, New Zealand was in a dominant position but needed their strike bowler to finish the game convincingly. Duffy delivered, taking a sensational five-wicket haul in the second innings, finishing with figures of 5/42. His efforts helped bowl out the West Indies for a paltry 138 while chasing a massive target of 462, sealing a commanding 323-run victory. This win not only capped off New Zealand’s 2-0 series triumph but also cemented Duffy’s reputation as a bowler who can perform under pressure in high-stakes situations.
The 2025 calendar year has been monumental for Duffy. He ended the year with 81 wickets across all formats, surpassing the legendary Richard Hadlee’s record of 80 wickets for New Zealand in a single year. Ashwin referred to 2025 as Duffy’s “coming of age” year, highlighting his dominance in the West Indies series, where he took 23 wickets at an astonishing average of 15.43, maintaining a strike rate of 40.3.
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Duffy’s performance was defined by precision, pace, and intelligent use of conditions. His ability to swing the ball both ways, coupled with variations in pace and seam positioning, made him a nightmare for the West Indies batsmen. Key dismissals included Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, and Roston Chase, each crucial in breaking partnerships and ensuring New Zealand retained full control over the match
Ashwin, commenting on the 31-year-old’s performance, referred to Duffy’s 2025 as his “coming of age” year, citing his 23 wickets in the West Indies series at an impressive average of 15.43 and a strike rate of 40.3. Duffy’s dominance wasn’t limited to Tests, as he currently holds the number one spot in T20I bowling rankings, with a remarkable 57 wickets in 2025 at an average of 18.9. His ability to bowl at peak efficiency has made him one of the most sought-after bowlers in the world.
Ashwin also praised the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for securing Duffy at a bargain price of INR 2 Crore in the IPL auction. “It’s a sensational coup for RCB,” Ashwin said, noting that Duffy’s exceptional bowling in T20s and Tests has made him a valuable addition to their squad.
On Day 5 at Mount Maunganui, Duffy was instrumental in New Zealand’s 323-run victory over the West Indies, leading the attack with his five-wicket haul. He dismissed key West Indian players, including Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, and Roston Chase, before taking the final wicket to seal the win. With this performance, Duffy has established himself as a player to watch, and his move to RCB has excited fans and experts alike.
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