New Zealand Add Jacob Duffy as Pace Cover For Tri-Series in Pakistan

New Zealand add Jacob Duffy as pace cover to their squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy tune-up One Day International Tri-Series in Pakistan, scheduled to begin on Saturday, February 8 in Lahore.

The 30-year-old, who was a star in the recent white-ball outings against Sri Lanka at home, has been included in the squad for the triangular series involving Pakistan and South Africa as a backup for Lockie Ferguson.

Included in New Zealand's tri-series and Champions Trophy squad, Ferguson is currently in UAE playing in the ILT20 2025, which concludes only on February 9, a day after the tri-series begins in Pakistan. Ferguson's Desert Vipers have qualified for the playoffs.

The New Zealand squad departs for Pakistan on February 3 to play the tri-series followed by the Champions Trophy with their two round-robin fixtures in the tri-series set to be staged in Lahore, against Pakistan on February 8 and South Africa on February 10, while the final is in Karachi on February 14.

After the tri-series, New Zealand will play a Champions Trophy warm-up game against Afghanistan on February 16 in Karachi, where they will also play the ICC tournament opener against Pakistan on February 19.

Duffy has so far claimed 18 wickets in his 10 ODI appearances at an average of 25.94 and economy of 6.25. In his recent ODI outings, Duffy took four wickets in two ODIs at home against Sri Lanka.

With Ferguson probably missing at least the tri-series opener, Matt Henry will lead the Kiwis pace attack with Ben Sears, Will O'Rourke, Duffy and Nathan Smith playing support roles. Here is a look at the Black Caps updated squad for the Tri-Series in Pakistan:

New Zealand Squad for tri-series in Pakistan

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.