Jacob Duffy has been awarded the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at the 2026 New Zealand Cricket Awards, following a remarkable season where he took 25 wickets in Tests at an impressive average of 16. His performance included three five-wicket hauls in just four Test matches, solidifying his reputation as a leading bowler.
In addition to the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal, Duffy also received the Test Player of the Year award and 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 recognition highlights Duffy’s significant impact on the game.
Amelia Kerr also shone at the awards, winning the Debbie Hockley Medal for the fourth consecutive time. Kerr topped New Zealand’s T20I run charts with 354 runs at an average of 70, further establishing her as a dominant force in women’s cricket. 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 included Tim Seifert, who was named Men’s T20I Player of the Year, and Daryl Mitchell, who won Men’s ODI Player of the Year with 692 runs in ODIs. Brooke Halliday was recognized as the Women’s ODI Player of the Year with 391 runs.
Henry Nicholls and Jess Kerr were named Men’s Domestic Player of the Year and Women’s Domestic Player of the Year, respectively, showcasing the depth of talent in New Zealand cricket.
Duffy’s achievements this season reflect a significant upward trajectory in his career, and observers are keen to see how he builds on this success in future competitions. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his plans for the upcoming season.
