Jacob Duffy had an outstanding season, winning the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal and multiple awards at the 2026 New Zealand Cricket Awards. His performance included 25 wickets in Tests.
Jacob Duffy shone brightly at the 2026 New Zealand Cricket Awards, winning the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal and the Test Player of the Year award. His remarkable season included taking 25 wickets in Tests at an impressive average of 16, along with three five-wicket hauls in just four matches.
Sir Richard Hadlee praised Duffy’s performance, 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 underscores Duffy’s significant impact on the field, solidifying his status as a key player in New Zealand cricket.
In addition to the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal, Duffy also received the Winsor Cup for first-class bowling, further highlighting his exceptional contributions to the sport this season.
Amelia Kerr, another standout at the awards, won the Debbie Hockley Medal for the fourth consecutive time, affirming her dominance in women’s cricket. She topped New Zealand’s T20I run charts with 354 runs at an average of 70, showcasing her prowess in the game.
Other notable award winners included Tim Seifert, 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.
These achievements reflect a season of exceptional talent and performance across New Zealand cricket, with players like Duffy and Kerr leading the charge. As the cricket community looks ahead, observers are eager to see how these players will continue to develop and influence the sport.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential future awards and recognitions for these outstanding athletes, but their current accolades certainly set a high bar for the upcoming seasons.
