Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has lauded New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy for his match-winning performance that propelled the hosts to a commanding 2-0 series victory over the West Indies. Duffy's fiery spell on the final day of the second Test at Mount Maunganui was the centerpiece of a dominant 323-run win.
Duffy's Decisive Five-Wicket Haul
On Monday, the fifth day of the Test, Jacob Duffy produced a sensational bowling display, claiming a five-wicket haul for just 42 runs. His efforts skittled the West Indies out for a mere 138 runs in their second innings as they chased an improbable target of 462. Duffy was instrumental in dismantling the Caribbean batting order, removing key players Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, and Roston Chase for a combined total of only seven runs. He also dismissed top-scorer Brandon King, who had made 67, before taking the final wicket to seal the match and series for New Zealand.
Surpassing a Kiwi Legend
This performance was not just match-winning but also historic. With his five-wicket haul, Duffy surpassed the legendary New Zealand bowler Richard Hadlee's record of 80 international wickets in a calendar year. Duffy finished 2025 with 81 wickets, setting a new benchmark for New Zealand cricketers. His contribution throughout the two-Test series was monumental, taking 23 wickets at an impressive average of 15.43, playing a pivotal role in the clean sweep and giving New Zealand a strong start in the new World Test Championship cycle.
Ashwin's High Praise for an All-Format Star
Taking to social media platform X, Ravichandran Ashwin heaped praise on Duffy's remarkable year across all formats. Ashwin wrote, "What a cricketer Jacob Duffy is turning out to be. 2025 has been his coming of age year." He highlighted Duffy's Test series figures and noted his dominance in T20 cricket, where he is the current world number one ranked bowler. Ashwin pointed out Duffy's sensational T20 stats for the year: 57 wickets at an average of 18.9, an economy rate of 7.89, and an elite dot ball percentage of 53.1. The Indian off-spinner concluded by calling Royal Challengers Bangalore's acquisition of Duffy for his base price of ₹2 crore a "sensational coup."
Duffy's performance at Mount Maunganui underscored his status as one of New Zealand's most lethal and consistent bowlers. At 31 years old, he is operating at peak efficiency, proving to be a potent force with both the red and white ball, and establishing himself as a crucial asset for his national team and his new IPL franchise.
