Jacob Duffy created history in the third and final Test against the West Indies at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. He broke Sir Richard Hadlee’s 50-year-old record for most wickets by a New Zealand bowler in a calendar year across formats. Duffy achieved the milestone by dismissing West Indies captain Roston Chase on Day 5.
Duffy took five wickets in the second innings, finishing with figures of 5 for 42. He claimed the final wicket by bowling Jayden Seales for a duck. New Zealand won the match by 323 runs and sealed the Test series. Duffy was named Player of the Match for his performance.
Duffy ended 2025 with 81 wickets in 36 matches across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. This surpassed Hadlee’s previous record of 79 wickets set in 1985. Hadlee had taken those wickets in 23 matches, including 64 wickets in 10 Tests.
Duffy made his Test debut in August 2025 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. In four Tests, he has taken 25 wickets. During the year, he also picked up 21 wickets in 11 ODIs and 35 wickets in 21 T20Is.
With 23 wickets in the series against the West Indies, Duffy set a new New Zealand record for most wickets in a home Test series. The previous record was held by Trent Boult, who took 20 wickets in a three-match series in 2013, also against the West Indies.
Duffy now tops the list of New Zealand bowlers with the most wickets in a calendar year. Daniel Vettori is next with 76 wickets in 2008. Trent Boult appears twice on the list with 72 wickets in 2015 and 69 wickets in 2017.
Most International Wickets for New Zealand in a Calendar Year
Duffy tops the list with 81 wickets in 36 matches during 2025. His best bowling figures in the year were 5 for 34. He recorded three five-wicket hauls, making 2025 the most successful calendar year for a New Zealand bowler in international cricket.
Richard Hadlee finished 1985 with 79 wickets from just 23 matches. His best figures were an outstanding 9 for 52. He took six five-wicket hauls that year, which stood as the national record for decades.
Daniel Vettori claimed 76 wickets in 33 matches in 2008. His best figures were 6 for 56. He registered five five-wicket hauls during the calendar year.
Boult took 72 wickets in 25 matches in 2015. His best figures were 5 for 27. He finished the year with three five-wicket hauls.
In 2017, Boult collected 69 wickets from 27 matches. His best bowling figures were 7 for 34. He took two five-wicket hauls that year.
Chris Cairns picked up 68 wickets in 30 matches in 1999. His best figures were 7 for 27. He achieved four five-wicket hauls during the year.
Daniel Vettori took 66 wickets in 34 matches in 2004. His best performance was 6 for 28. He recorded five five-wicket hauls in that calendar year.
Boult ended 2018 with 66 wickets from 27 matches. His best figures were 6 for 30. He claimed three five-wicket hauls.
Tim Southee took 65 wickets in 31 matches in 2022. His best figures were 5 for 35. He managed one five-wicket haul that year.
Matt Henry also finished 2025 with 65 wickets, achieved in 27 matches. His best bowling figures were 6 for 39.
Most international wickets for New Zealand in a calendar year
| PLAYER | YEAR | WICKETS | BEST FIGURES | 5-WKT HAULS |
| Jacob Duffy | 2025 | 81 | 5/34 | 3 |
| Richard Hadlee | 1985 | 79 | 9/52 | 6 |
| Daniel Vettori | 2008 | 76 | 6/56 | 5 |
| Trent Boult | 2015 | 72 | 5/27 | 3 |
| Trent Boult | 2017 | 69 | 7/34 | 2 |
| Chris Cairns | 1999 | 68 | 7/27 | 4 |
| Daniel Vettori | 2004 | 66 | 6/28 | 5 |
| Trent Boult | 2018 | 66 | 6/30 | 3 |
| Tim Southee | 2022 | 65 | 5/35 | 1 |
| Matt Henry | 2025 | 65 | 6/39 |
FAQs
Q. What record did Jacob Duffy break in 2025?
A. Jacob Duffy broke Sir Richard Hadlee’s record for most wickets by a New Zealand bowler in a calendar year across formats.
Q. How many wickets did Jacob Duffy take in 2025?
A. Duffy took 81 wickets in 36 matches across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Q. How many wickets did Richard Hadlee take in his record year?
A. Richard Hadlee took 79 wickets in 1985.
Q. When did Jacob Duffy make his Test debut?
A. Duffy made his Test debut in August 2025 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
Q. How many wickets has Duffy taken in Test cricket so far?
A. Duffy has taken 25 wickets in four Tests.
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