Jacob Duffy joins New Zealand’s ODI squad for Pakistan Tri-Series as Ferguson’s cover

New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy has been called up as a replacement in the Blackcaps’ ODI squad for the upcoming tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa, serving as cover for Lockie Ferguson. Ferguson is currently playing for the Desert Vipers in the ongoing ILT20 in the UAE, prompting New Zealand Cricket to bring in Duffy as a backup option ahead of the crucial series.

Duffy, who has played 10 ODIs for New Zealand, has taken 18 wickets at an average of 25.94 and an economy rate of 6.25. His recent performances have been impressive, having claimed four wickets in two ODIs and eight wickets in three T20Is against Sri Lanka at home earlier this month.

The Blackcaps are scheduled to depart for Pakistan on February 3, with the tri-series set to begin on February 8. The opening two matches will be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, while Karachi’s National Bank Stadium will host the final league game and the tournament final.

New Zealand will start their campaign against Pakistan on February 8 at Gaddafi Stadium, followed by a match against South Africa on February 10. The tournament will then move to Karachi, where Pakistan will face South Africa on February 12 in a day/night encounter. The final will take place on February 14, just days before the start of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Following the tri-series, the Blackcaps will play a warm-up match against Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 16. Their Champions Trophy campaign will begin on February 19, with their opening match against hosts Pakistan at the same venue. New Zealand will then face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 24 before heading to Dubai for their final group-stage clash against India on March 2.

New Zealand squad for tri-series and Champions Trophy:

Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy (tri-series only).