The rise of Jacob Duffy from a consistent domestic performer in New Zealand’s South Island to a global T20 sensation is nothing short of a cricketing fairy tale.
While he may have debuted later than some, his impact has been seismic, recently culminating in a No. 1 ICC T20I Bowling Ranking in early 2025. As he begins his IPL 2026 journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), here are the shocking facts that define the “Kiwi Express.”
Shocking T20 Facts About Jacob Duffy
The Record-Breaker: In 2025, Duffy shattered a 40-year-old New Zealand record held by the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee, taking a staggering 81 international wickets in a single calendar year.
Instant Impact: On his T20I debut against Pakistan in 2020, he took 4 wickets for 33 runs, earning the Player of the Match award—one of the best debut figures for a New Zealander.
World Number 1: In April 2025, Duffy leapfrogged elite spinners like Wanindu Hasaranga to become the No. 1 ranked T20I bowler in the world, the first Kiwi to top the charts since Ish Sodhi in 2018.
IPL Steal of the Century: Despite his world-class rankings, RCB secured Duffy at his base price of INR 2 Crore in the 2026 mini-auction. In his very first match against SRH today (March 28, 2026), he has already dismantled the top order with 3 wickets for 13 runs in his opening spell.
Triple-Wicket Maiden Potential: Known for his “outswinging factor,” Duffy once took three wickets in a single over during his county stint for Worcestershire, a feat he nearly replicated in the 2026 T20 World Cup
Jacob Duffy T20 Career Stats
| Category | T20 International (T20I) | Overall T20 (Domestic + Int) | IPL 2026 (Live Debut) |
| Matches | 48 | 161 | 1 |
| Innings | 46 | 155 | 1 |
| Wickets | 62 | 181 | 3 |
| Best Bowling | 4/14 (vs Pakistan, 2025) | 5/18 (Super Smash) | 3/22 (vs SRH) |
| Bowling Avg. | 20.26 | 25.25 | 7.33 |
| Economy Rate | 8.09 | 8.49 | 5.50 |
| Strike Rate | 15.03 | 17.85 | 8.00 |
| Maidens | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| 4w / 5w Hauls | 5 / 0 | 7 / 2 | 0 / 0 |
Conclusion
Jacob Duffy isn’t just a replacement for Josh Hazlewood; he is a force of nature. With the height to extract bounce and the skill to move the ball sideways, he has transformed from a “patience-tested” veteran into the gold standard of T20 bowling. If his debut performance for RCB is any indication, the “Kiwi Express” is about to turn the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium into his personal playground.
Watch out, IPL—the No. 1 has arrived. Want to stay ahead of the game with the latest player insights and breaking cricket stats? “Spoda se Pucho!’
FAQs
Which team is Jacob Duffy in IPL 2026?
RCB secured him at his base price of INR 2 Crore primarily because he was viewed as a tactical replacement/backup for Josh Hazlewood, who was under an injury cloud.
Is Jacob Duffy playing in the IPL 2026 today?
Yes. Jacob Duffy made his highly anticipated IPL debut today, March 28, 2026, in the season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. He made an immediate impact, ripping through the SRH top order by taking 3 wickets for 13 runs within the powerplay.
What is Jacob Duffy’s highest bowling speed in T20I?
Jacob Duffy is categorized as a fast-medium bowler. While he consistently clocks between 135–142 kmph, he has been recorded reaching speeds of up to 145 kmph during high-intensity spells.
How many wickets did Jacob Duffy take against India in the 2026 World Cup?
In the 2026 T20 World Cup final held on March 8, 2026, Jacob Duffy went wicketless, finishing with figures of 0/42 in 3 overs as India clinched the title.
Who is the No. 1 T20I bowler in the world right now?
As of late March 2026, the ICC No. 1 ranked T20I bowler is India’s Varun Chakaravarthy (following his dominant 14-wicket haul in the 2026 World Cup).
