Jacob Duffy has made headlines by winning the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at the 2026 New Zealand Cricket Awards, a testament to his remarkable season. Duffy took an impressive 25 wickets in Tests at a stunning average of just 16, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier bowlers in the game today.
His performance included three five-wicket hauls across just four Test matches, showcasing not only his skill but also his ability to perform under pressure. Sir Richard Hadlee himself praised Duffy, stating, “Jacob’s durability, consistency, and ability to take wickets in pressure moments made him the most complete bowling performer of the season.”
In addition to the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal, Duffy also clinched the Test Player of the Year award and received the Winsor Cup for first-class bowling, further highlighting his dominance in the format.
Meanwhile, Amelia Kerr continued her reign in women’s cricket by winning the Debbie Hockley Medal for the fourth consecutive time. Kerr topped New Zealand’s T20I run charts with an impressive 354 runs at an average of 70, solidifying her status as a dominant force in the sport. Debbie Hockley remarked, “Quite simply, we’re talking about a dominant force in every facet of the game, and one of the most influential players in women’s cricket history.”
Other notable winners at the awards included Tim Seifert, who was named Men’s T20I Player of the Year, and Daryl Mitchell, who earned the title of Men’s ODI Player of the Year. Brooke Halliday was recognized as the Women’s ODI Player of the Year, while Henry Nicholls and Jess Kerr took home the Men’s and Women’s Domestic Player of the Year awards, respectively.
Duffy’s prolific season has not only earned him personal accolades but has also contributed significantly to New Zealand’s cricketing success. As the cricket community reflects on the awards, observers are eager to see how Duffy’s performance will influence his future in the sport.
