New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy has claimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings, dethroning West Indies’ left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein. Duffy’s stellar performance in the recent T20I series against Pakistan at home propelled him to the top, marking a historic milestone in his career.
Duffy’s Phenomenal Rise to No. 1
Duffy delivered an exceptional performance in the five-match series against Pakistan, picking up 13 wickets at an astonishing average of 8.38. His efforts included a career-best 4 for 14, playing a crucial role in New Zealand’s 4-1 series victory.
The 29-year-old pacer surged four places in the rankings, surpassing Akeal Hosein, India’s Varun Chakaravarthy, England’s Adil Rashid, and Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga. This is Duffy’s first No. 1 ranking in any format, making him the first New Zealand bowler to top the men’s T20I bowling charts since Ish Sodhi in 2018.
Duffy made his T20I debut for New Zealand in 2020 and has since taken 32 wickets in 23 games, solidifying his position as one of the leading fast bowlers in the format.
Tim Seifert Breaks into Top 10 Batting Rankings
The latest ICC rankings also saw New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert jump five places to claim the No. 8 spot in the T20I batting rankings. Seifert was in sublime form against Pakistan, scoring 249 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 62.25. His standout performance came in the fifth T20I, where he played a match-winning knock of 97* while chasing 129.
Seifert’s opening partner, Finn Allen, also made gains in the rankings, moving up one spot to No. 15. However, Australia’s Travis Head continues to hold the No. 1 position, followed by India’s Abhishek Sharma and England’s Phil Salt at No. 2 and 3, respectively.
James Neesham Makes Big Leap in Allrounders’ Rankings
New Zealand allrounder James Neesham also made a significant jump in the ICC T20I allrounders’ rankings, climbing 14 places to reach No. 30. Neesham’s impactful performances against Pakistan included a career-best bowling figure of 5 for 22 in the final T20I, further strengthening his credentials as a valuable allrounder.
New Zealand’s Dominance in T20I Cricket
New Zealand’s strong showing in the rankings reflects their consistent performances in T20I cricket. With Jacob Duffy leading the bowling charts and Tim Seifert breaking into the top 10 among batters, the Black Caps are proving to be a formidable force in the shortest format of the game.
As the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, New Zealand’s rising stars will be crucial in their quest for glory on the global stage.
