### New Zealand's Jacob Duffy Set for T20 World Cup Debut Amidst Strong Squad Selection New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy has been selected to make his debut in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place from February 7 to March 8, 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Duffy's inclusion in the 15-member squad, led by captain Mitchell Santner, comes after an impressive performance in 2025, where he captured 81 international wickets, breaking Richard Hadlee's long-standing record for the most wickets in a calendar year for New Zealand. This selection marks a significant milestone in Duffy's career, as he is currently ranked second among T20 bowlers globally [https://guyanachronicle.com/2026/01/08/new-zealand-bowler-duffy-to-make-t20-world-cup-bow, https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/in-form-kiwi-pacer-jacob-duffy-to-make-t20-world-cup-bow/20260107.htm]. ### Overview of New Zealand's T20 World Cup Squad and Strategy 1. **Squad Composition**: - The squad consists of 15 players, emphasizing a balance between spin and pace, tailored for the subcontinent's playing conditions. - Key players include captain Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy, who will lead the bowling attack. 2. **Strategic Focus**: - The selection reflects a spin-heavy strategy, with several players experienced in spin bowling, crucial for the expected conditions in India and Sri Lanka. - The team aims to leverage the strengths of its players, particularly in spin, while maintaining a robust pace attack. 3. **Duffy's Performance**: - Duffy's remarkable achievement of 81 wickets in 2025 has positioned him as a key player for New Zealand, showcasing his potential impact in the tournament. - His rise to the second position in the T20 bowling rankings underscores his form and capability [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/new-zealand-bowler-duffy-to-make-t20-world-cup-bow, https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/t20-world-cup-2026-new-zealand-announce-spin-heavy-squad-santner-named-captain]. ### Supporting Evidence of Duffy's Impact and Squad Strategy - **Jacob Duffy's Statistics**: - **Wickets in 2025**: 81 (breaking Richard Hadlee's record of 79) - **Current T20 Ranking**: 2nd globally - **Squad Highlights**: - **Captain**: Mitchell Santner - **Key Spin Bowlers**: Ish Sodhi, Michael Bracewell, and Rachin Ravindra - **Pace Options**: Jacob Duffy, Devon Conway, and Daryl Mitchell [https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/new-zealand-announce-t20-world-cup-squad-mitchell-santner-to-lead-spin-heavy-side-in-india-and-sri-lanka-101767750068353.html, https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/new-zealand-announces-icc-t20-world-cup-2026-squad-santner-to-lead-spin-heavy-side-big-returns-and-new-pace-options-check-full-details]. ### Conclusion: Duffy's Debut and New Zealand's T20 World Cup Aspirations In summary, **Jacob Duffy's selection for the T20 World Cup marks a significant achievement in his career**, reflecting his outstanding performance over the past year. New Zealand's squad, led by Mitchell Santner, is strategically designed to excel in the spin-friendly conditions of the subcontinent. The combination of experienced players and emerging talents like Duffy positions New Zealand as a competitive force in the tournament. 1. **Duffy's Record**: His record-breaking performance sets high expectations for his debut. 2. **Strategic Selection**: The spin-heavy squad is tailored for the conditions expected in India and Sri Lanka. 3. **Overall Team Strength**: The blend of experience and youth aims to enhance New Zealand's chances in the T20 World Cup [https://www.ndtvprofit.com/sports/icc-t20-world-cup-2026-new-zealand-announce-final-squad-mitch-santner-named-captain-check-15-man-team, https://www.icc-cricket.com/tournaments/mens-t20-world-cup-2026/news/santner-leads-experienced-new-zealand-t20-world-cup-squad].