Why Jacob Duffy is Not Playing Today in PAK vs NZ T20 World Cup Match?

After an entertaining group stage, the action finally moves to the Super Eight stage in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Pakistan and New Zealand are clashing against each other in the first Super 8 match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

The toss has been done; however, rain welcomed both the teams early on. Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha chose to bat first after winning the toss. Meanwhile, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner announced three changes in the team, which was shocking considering it was the first Super Eight match. Fast bowler Jacob Duffy, who is one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, has been left out of this game.

Why Jacob Duffy is Not Playing Today Against Pakistan?

New Zealand star pacer Jacob Duffy has been dropped from the PAK vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 match. It was quite surprising to see, as Duffy has been a consistent performer for New Zealand in this format.

Veteran fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is fit again and has been named as Jacob Duffy replacement for the match. Apart from him, the Blackcaps also have two fast-bowling options in Matt Henry and James Neesham. Given Colombo’s conditions, the NZ team management decided to go with an extra spinner in the form of Ish Sodhi.

Sodhi is one of the best spinners in the world and has a lot of experience in this format. The leg-spinner's variations in this format could make him a trump card for New Zealand in the PAK vs NZ T20 World Cup match.

Jacob Duffy's Disappointing Performance in T20 World Cup 2026

NZ quick Jacob Duffy played all four matches in the group stage of the ICC T20 World Cup but managed to take only three wickets. The pacer also remained quite expensive as he leaked runs at an economy rate of 10.08. His ineffective performance in the ongoing tournament could be the biggest reason why the team management decided to go with Ferguson ahead of him.

Talking about Ferguson, the star pacer played three matches in the group stage and picked up four wickets while leaking runs at an economy rate of 9.67, which is comparatively better than Duffy's numbers. Ferguson's ability to produce extra pace could be major threat for the Pakistani batters who have been seen struggling against the pacers in the recent matches.