Jacob Duffy has been awarded the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at the 2026 New Zealand Cricket Awards, a testament to his remarkable season in Test cricket. Duffy’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, as he took 25 wickets at an impressive average of 16 during the award season.
In just four Test matches, Duffy achieved three five-wicket hauls, solidifying his reputation as a formidable bowler. “Jacob’s durability, consistency, and ability to take wickets in pressure moments made him the most complete bowling performer of the season,” remarked Sir Richard Hadlee, highlighting Duffy’s significant impact on the game.
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, further underscoring his dominance in the format.
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 impressive average of 70, reinforcing her status as a key player in women’s cricket. Debbie Hockley praised her, stating, “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 took home the Men’s ODI Player of the Year award. Brooke Halliday was recognized as the Women’s ODI Player of the Year, while Henry Nicholls and Jess Kerr were named Men’s Domestic Player of the Year and Women’s Domestic Player of the Year, respectively.
Duffy’s accolades reflect not only his individual brilliance but also the growing strength of New Zealand cricket on the international stage. As the cricketing community looks ahead, observers are eager to see how Duffy will build on this success in future competitions.
