Terry Duffin started his first-class career, initially with Mashonaland, then Midlands, and later moved to Matabeleland. He went on to represent Zimbabwe in their Under-19 sides in 1998 and 2000, and then progressed to the CFX Academy, captaining his side on debut.

A gracious, stocky left-handed opening batsman, Duffin performed brilliantly at the domestic level. He made his international debut in a Test against India in 2005 and a year later, debuted in ODIs against Kenya. However, following the player dispute in 2005-06, Duffin was appointed captain of the national team, succeeding Tatenda Taibu. Captaincy toll took over as his performances slipped in stature and he showed no signs of improvement, except that of survival. In ODIs, he failed to score the runs at the needed rate, and was hence, stripped from captaincy in 2006.