In the current Tri-Series, the New Zealand squad has been playing some excellent cricket lately. They have won the first two matches in Lahore to advance to the final, which will take place at the National Stadium in Karachi. Prior to the last match, the Mitchell Santner team had played some amazing cricket.
Due to the retirement of iconic Kiwi pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee, some key players will be absent from the New Zealand side, particularly in the bowling department. Lockie Ferguson and Rachin Ravindra’s ailments have also cast doubt on their involvement. Ben Sears’ inability to recuperate from his hamstring injury, however, means that a substitute will be in the New Zealand squad prior to the Champions Trophy. Additionally, a substitute for the right arm pacer has been chosen.
The 30-year-old pacer Jacob Duffy, who was selected as a reserve for the Tri-Series,
Will take Sears’ place on the team. Duffy, who has good numbers in white ball cricket, particularly in ODIs, where he has taken 18 wickets in 10 games, will have a wonderful opportunity. Originally left out of the Champions Trophy, the Event Technical Committee of the Champions Trophy 2025 has authorised Duffy to take Sears’ position as the 27-year-old pacer’s replacement because of Sears’ injury.
Regarding Duffy’s most recent games, he was recently saw representing Otago in the Super Smash in New Zealand, where he claimed five wickets at an average of 30.80 and an economy of 7.83 in five games. Otago lost out on the playoffs after finishing fifth in the standings with five losses, four victories, and one game ending in a draw.