Jacob Duffy has clinched the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at the 2026 New Zealand Cricket Awards, capping off a remarkable season where he took 25 wickets in Tests at an impressive average of 16.
In just four Test matches, Duffy achieved three five-wicket hauls, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier bowler. His performance earned him the Test Player of the Year award as well as the Winsor Cup for first-class bowling.
Sir Richard Hadlee 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.” This accolade highlights Duffy’s significant impact on the game.
In addition to Duffy’s achievements, Amelia Kerr secured the Debbie Hockley Medal for the fourth consecutive year, further establishing her dominance in women’s cricket. Kerr topped New Zealand’s T20I run charts with 354 runs at an average of 70.
Other notable winners at the awards included Tim Seifert, named Men’s T20I Player of the Year, and Daryl Mitchell, who took home the Men’s ODI Player of the Year title.
Brooke Halliday was recognized as the Women’s ODI Player of the Year, while Henry Nicholls and Jess Kerr won the Men’s and Women’s Domestic Player of the Year awards, respectively.
As the cricket community reflects on these achievements, observers are eager to see how Duffy will carry this momentum into future series. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his next appearances, but expectations are high.
