Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has showered praise on New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy, who delivered an impressive five-wicket haul on Day 5 of the final Test against the West Indies, helping his team secure a 2-0 victory in the three-match series.
Duffy claimed outstanding figures of 5/42 in the West Indies’ second innings as the Caribbean side was bowled out for 138 while chasing a substantial target of 462 runs. His remarkable performance also set a new New Zealand record, surpassing the previous mark of 80 wickets in a calendar year held by Kiwi legend Richard Hadlee. Duffy concluded the year with 81 international wickets, establishing a new benchmark for the Black Caps.
Throughout the series, Duffy took 23 wickets, playing a crucial role in New Zealand’s 2-0 series triumph and marking a strong start to their World Test Championship campaign.
“What a cricketer Jacob Duffy is turning out to be. 2025 has been his coming of age year. 23 wickets at 15.43, 40.3 strike rate and MOS in the tests against the Windies. He’s also the current #1 ranked T20I bowler, with a sensational 2025 in T20s with 57 wickets at 18.9, 7.89 economy, and an elite 53.1 per cent dot ball rate. At 31, he’s operating at peak efficiency. Absolute steal by RCB to pick him up at a base price of 2 Cr. Sensational coup,” Ashwin expressed on X.
On the fifth day at Mount Maunganui, Duffy spearheaded the attack as the hosts clinched a 323-run victory in the final session, turning what looked like a likely draw into a commanding win. He dismissed top-scorer Brandon King (67) and swiftly dismantled the middle order, taking out Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, and Roston Chase for a mere seven runs combined. Duffy also claimed the final wicket to seal the victory for his team.