Jacob Duffy Becomes World No.1 T20I Bowler After Stellar Show Against Pakistan

Jacob Duffy Becomes World No.1 T20I Bowler After Stellar Show Against Pakistan

In a remarkable turn of events in international cricket, New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy has climbed to the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I bowling rankings, thanks to a series of match-winning performances in the recently concluded T20I series against Pakistan. Duffy’s consistency, precision, and knack for picking up crucial wickets under pressure earned him not only the Player of the Series award but also international recognition as the top-ranked T20I bowler.

The 2025 ICC T20I rankings update comes on the back of the five-match T20 series between New Zealand and Pakistan, in which Duffy was the standout performer with 12 wickets at an impressive average of 11.25 and an economy rate of just 6.10.

A Meteoric Rise in T20I Cricket

Jacob Duffy, 30, has been a part of the Black Caps setup for several years but had often remained on the fringes of the T20 side. However, with senior bowlers like Tim Southee and Trent Boult focusing on Test cricket and ODIs, Duffy seized his opportunity in the shorter format.

The series against Pakistan was seen as a crucial preparation phase ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2025, and Duffy made sure to stake his claim as New Zealand’s go-to bowler in the death overs and powerplay alike.

Duffy’s Series Stats vs Pakistan

Duffy’s ability to maintain tight lines and lengths, especially on flat tracks and under lights, caught the eye of not just fans and analysts but also ICC ranking officials, propelling him past bowlers like Adil Rashid, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Rashid Khan.

Expert Reactions to Duffy's Rise

Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming praised Duffy's growth, saying:

"Jacob has come a long way in terms of maturity and skill. What impressed me most was his adaptability — he can bowl at the start, in the middle, and at the death with equal impact."

Former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis, on commentary during the series, noted:

"His seam position and discipline were world-class. He’s not express pace, but he bowls smart and gets the job done under pressure."

What Makes Duffy a Standout T20I Bowler?

Jacob Duffy is not your typical tearaway fast bowler. He relies on a combination of swing, seam movement, variations in pace, and pinpoint control. He’s especially deadly with the new ball and equally effective in the death overs with accurate yorkers and slower balls.

His career T20I record now reads:

• Matches: 28

• Wickets: 46

• Average: 16.75

• Economy: 6.42

• Best Figures: 4/18

In the T20 era where economy rates often hover above 8, Duffy’s ability to keep things tight while picking up wickets is a rare and valuable trait.

Impact on New Zealand’s T20 World Cup Plans

Duffy’s rise comes as a major boost for New Zealand ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2025, to be held later this year. Head coach Gary Stead commented:

“We’ve always believed in Jacob’s potential. Now that he’s got the confidence and rhythm, he’ll be a key figure in our T20 setup. His performances against a strong Pakistan lineup showed he’s ready for the big stage.”

With Duffy leading the pace attack, and supported by spinners like Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner, New Zealand now possesses one of the most balanced bowling lineups in T20 internationals.

Fans React to Duffy’s Achievement

Fans across social media platforms have celebrated Duffy’s achievement with hashtags like #JacobDuffyNo1, #NZvsPAK, and #T20IRankings trending globally. Many New Zealand supporters have called him the next Shane Bond in terms of impact and composure.

Here’s what fans are saying:

"Duffy deserves this! Finally some recognition for our underrated Kiwi pacers!" — @CricketKiwiNZ

"Smart bowler, calm under pressure, always delivers — Jacob Duffy is a true game-changer." — @PakFansCorner

"Can’t wait to see Duffy lead the Black Caps attack in the T20 World Cup!" — @T20WorldTalks

The Road Ahead

With a packed cricket calendar ahead, Jacob Duffy will look to maintain his No.1 position. New Zealand are set to face Australia and India in upcoming bilateral T20 series, providing Duffy with both challenges and opportunities to further cement his dominance.

Moreover, franchises in leagues like the IPL, BBL, and The Hundred are also expected to show renewed interest in the Kiwi seamer after his ranking surge. If he continues to bowl with this level of control and consistency, Jacob Duffy could very well become a household name in T20 cricket worldwide.