Jacob Duffy breaks this elite record of Richard Hadlee: Details
What's the story
New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy has etched his name in cricket history by breaking the legendary Richard Hadlee's long-standing record of most international wickets by a Kiwi bowler in a calendar year. Duffy achieved this feat in the third and final Test against West Indies in Mount Maunganui, taking his tally to an impressive 81 wickets for the Black Caps this year (2025). He achieved this milestone in just 36 matches across all three formats of the game.
Record-breaking performance
Duffy surpasses Hadlee's 1985 record
Duffy's achievement comes after he surpassed Hadlee's record of 79 wickets in 23 matches for New Zealand in 1985. The fast bowler made his Test debut in August this year, against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. He has since taken a total of 25 wickets in four red-ball matches at 16.28. Notably, he claimed fifers in each of the three Tests of the aforementioned NZ-WI series to win the Player Of The Series award.
Wicket distribution
Duffy's all-format wicket tally in 2025
In addition to his Test wickets, Duffy has also been a force in the limited-overs formats this year (2025). He has taken 21 wickets in 11 ODIs at 21.47 and an impressive 35 wickets in 21 T20Is at 15.08. No other bowler has taken even 70 wickets this year as NZ's Matt Henry and Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani trail Duffy with 65 scalps each.
Summary
How did the third Test pan out?
NZ openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway added 323 runs en route to their respective tons as NZ posted 575/8d batting first. Kavem Hodge made a valiant 123* as the West Indies were bowled out for 420. Duffy trapped four batters. Both Conway and Latham scored hundreds yet again, powering NZ to 306/2 in the third innings. Chasing 462, WI were folded for 138 as Duffy took five wickets in the innings.