Jacob Duffy set to replace this veteran New Zealand pacer for tri-series in Pakistan

New Zealand has added fast bowler Jacob Duffy to their squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series in Pakistan, which is set to begin on February 8 in Lahore. Jacob Duffy will serve as cover for Lockie Ferguson, who is currently participating in the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 season in the UAE.

The 30-year-old pacer has been in excellent form recently, securing 12 wickets across five white-ball matches against Sri Lanka at home. Duffy earned Player of the Series after taking eight wickets in three T20Is. He has taken 18 wickets in 10 ODIs at an average of 25.94 and an economy rate of 6.25.

Jacob Duffy Added to the New Zealand Squad for Tri-Series in Pakistan

Lockie Ferguson, who is currently playing for the Desert Vipers in the ILT20, will likely miss at least the opening match of New Zealand’s tri-series in Pakistan, as the tournament concludes on February 9. His Desert Vipers team has qualified for the playoffs of the tournament.

Matt Henry will lead the pace attack, supported by Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, and Nathan Smith. Coach Gary Stead said that Duffy would provide depth to the pace-bowling department and serve as cover for Ferguson. Duffy will depart for Pakistan with the rest of the squad on Monday evening.

New Zealand to Depart for Pakistan for Tri-Series and Champions Trophy on February 3

New Zealand will depart for Pakistan for the tri-series and Champions Trophy. The tri-series between New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa will be played in a round-robin format. The Blackcaps will play two ODIs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, against Pakistan (February 8) and South Africa (February 10).

The final of the tri-series will be held at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 14. After the tri-series, New Zealand will play a Champions Trophy warm-up match against Afghanistan on February 16 in Karachi.

BLACKCAPS Set to Begin Champions Trophy Campaign on February 19

The Blackcaps will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 19 against hosts Pakistan in Karachi. They will then travel to Rawalpindi to face Bangladesh on February 24 in their second Group A match.

New Zealand's third and final league-stage match will be against India on March 2 in Dubai, as the Rohit Sharma-led team is not playing any of their Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan due to travel restrictions.

The Champions Trophy returned after a seven-year break, previously known as the ICC Knockout Trophy, which New Zealand won in 2000. Coach Gary Stead said that the plan for the tournament was to ensure all players get at least two games before the marquee ODI tournament.

New Zealand squad for tri-series and Champions Trophy: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy (tri-series only)

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