Jacob Duffy has clinched the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at the 2026 New Zealand Cricket Awards, following an outstanding season where he took 25 wickets in Tests at an impressive average of 16. His remarkable performance included three five-wicket hauls across just four Test matches, solidifying his reputation as a leading bowler.
In addition to the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal, Duffy was also honored with the Test Player of the Year award and received the Winsor Cup for first-class bowling. Sir Richard Hadlee praised Duffy, stating, “Jacob’s durability, consistency, and ability to take wickets in pressure moments made him the most complete bowling performer of the season.”
Amelia Kerr continued her dominance in women’s cricket, winning the Debbie Hockley Medal for the fourth consecutive year. She topped New Zealand’s T20I run charts with 354 runs at an average of 70, further establishing her as a key player in the sport. Debbie Hockley remarked on Kerr’s impact, saying, “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 awards included Tim Seifert being named Men’s T20I Player of the Year, Daryl Mitchell as Men’s ODI Player of the Year, and Brooke Halliday earning the title of Women’s ODI Player of the Year. Henry Nicholls and Jess Kerr were recognized as Men’s and Women’s Domestic Players of the Year, respectively.
Duffy’s achievements this season reflect a significant rise in his career, showcasing his potential to be a mainstay in New Zealand cricket. Observers are keen to see how he builds on this success in future competitions.
