In a thrilling display during the second T20I against West Indies at Eden Park, fast bowler Jacob Duffy showcased his exceptional talent and composure, delivering a performance that was pivotal in New Zealand’s efforts to secure victory. Over the course of the match, Duffy recorded impressive figures of 3 wickets for just 40 runs in 8 overs, proving to be a critical element against the backdrop of the small boundaries that characterise the Auckland venue.

As the West Indies commenced their chase of a formidable target of 208 runs, Duffy quickly made his mark. In the opening over, he dismissed opener Brandon King with an outswinger that found its way to the outside edge, effectively shutting down King’s attempt to exploit the short boundary over mid-off. Following this, Shai Hope, who had made a notable contribution in the first T20I, faced Duffy’s skilful bowling but was also unable to break through, as the ball moved away and again eluded his outside edge.

Duffy maintained remarkable accuracy during the power play with his first nine deliveries, resulting in dot balls. It wasn’t until a fielding error in the infield that the West Indies managed to secure a single. During the third over, Duffy again came close to damaging the West Indies lineup, as Alick Athanaze nearly chopped an inswinger onto his stumps. His strategy of keeping the ball neither too full nor too wide allowed him to generate effective swing, preventing batters from capitalising on scoring opportunities.

While Duffy’s exceptional start initially suggested that New Zealand had enough to defend their total of 207, the West Indies’ late charge put the pressure back on the hosts. In a dramatic moment late in the match, with just 30 runs needed off the last 12 balls, Duffy faced a challenge from Rovman Powell, who managed to hit back-to-back boundaries in the 19th over. However, exhibiting mental fortitude, Duffy rebounded by conceding only four runs off the subsequent balls.
 

Duffy’s prowess as a new-ball bowler is well-documented, but he demonstrated that he could also be dependable in crucial late overs. With key players like Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson sidelined, Duffy stepped up to the occasion, leading a relatively inexperienced bowling attack. His statistics since April 2024 underscore his impact in the format, as he emerged as New Zealand’s highest wicket-taker with 36 strikes while also being the second-most economical bowler among those who have bowled a minimum of 200 balls.

Mitchell Santner, New Zealand’s captain, praised Duffy’s recent performances, acknowledging his ability to seize opportunities and emerge as a leader within the bowling unit. Santner reflected on the challenges posed by formidable West Indies batters, commending Duffy’s ability to excel under pressure.

At 31 years old, Duffy’s journey to international cricket has been marked by perseverance and dedication. Having debuted for New Zealand in December 2020 against Pakistan and, more recently, making his Test debut in Zimbabwe, he credits his extensive domestic experience as foundational in preparing him for international challenges. Duffy highlighted the camaraderie among the New Zealand bowlers, emphasising that their diverse skill sets allow them to back one another up effectively.

Despite West Indies launching a late innings assault that saw them score 87 runs in the final five overs, New Zealand’s bowlers collectively rose to the occasion, with Duffy at the forefront. His outstanding performance not only helped secure the win but also strengthened his position for consideration in next year’s T20 World Cup, irrespective of the return of some senior bowlers.