New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy has become the No. 1 ranked T20I bowler, overtaking West Indies’ Akeal Hosein. Duffy’s stellar performances in the T20I series against Pakistan at home earned him the top spot. He picked up 13 wickets in five matches at an average of 8.38, including a career-best 4 for 14, helping New Zealand secure a 4-1 series victory.
Duffy climbed four places in the rankings, surpassing Hosein, Varun Chakaravarthy, Adil Rashid, and Wanindu Hasaranga. This is his first No. 1 ranking in any format and the first time a New Zealand bowler has topped the men’s T20I rankings since Ish Sodhi in 2018. Duffy, who debuted for New Zealand in 2020, now has 32 wickets from 23 T20Is.
Reacting to his achievement, Duffy expressed his surprise, calling it a surreal moment. “It’s awesome to be among some great players on that list. It’s pretty cool recognition,” he said.
In the batting rankings, Duffy’s teammate Tim Seifert has risen five spots to No. 8 after scoring 249 runs in five matches against Pakistan at an average of 62.25. His unbeaten 97 in the fifth T20I was his career-best. Finn Allen also moved up one place to 15th. Meanwhile, Australia’s Travis Head retained his No. 1 position, followed by India’s Abhishek Sharma and England’s Phil Salt.
Among allrounders, James Neesham made significant gains, jumping 14 places to 30th. His efforts against Pakistan, including a career-best 5 for 22 in the final T20I, contributed to his rise.
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