Duffy’s five-wicket haul seals dominant New Zealand win and valuable series advantage
WELLINGTON
Jacob Duffy produced a superb spell of seam bowling, taking 5-38 as New Zealand overwhelmed the West Indies by nine wickets on day three of the second Test at the Basin Reserve, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The hosts dismissed the visitors for just 128 after lunch, needing only 56 runs to complete an emphatic victory, which they achieved before tea through Devon Conway (28) and Kane Williamson (16).
Duffy, playing just his third Test, claimed his second five-wicket haul, while debutant Michael Rae impressed with figures of 3-45. Kavem Hodge, who top-scored with 35, was the lone West Indian batter to resist as wickets tumbled around him. New Zealand’s inexperienced attack — with Zak Foulkes in his third Test, Blair Tickner in his fourth, and Rae on debut — earned praise from skipper Tom Latham, who lauded the resilience shown despite injury setbacks.
The West Indies resumed at 32-2, trailing by 41, but their innings unravelled quickly. By lunch, they had slumped to 98-6, unable to reproduce the fightback that salvaged the first Test in Christchurch. A collapse after the break sealed their fate, beginning with Justin Greaves’ lbw dismissal to Duffy following a successful review. The innings ended in just 9.2 overs.
West Indies captain Roston Chase expressed disappointment at the batting effort, saying his team squandered promising starts and failed to show the determination needed to build big scores. Earlier, the visitors were bowled out for 205 in the first innings, before New Zealand replied with 278-9 declared.
Friday’s slide began with Brandon King’s run-out for 22 after a mix-up, followed by dismissals of Shai Hope and Chase. Hodge’s departure, caught brilliantly by Will Young at midwicket, ended any hope of resistance.
The teams now head to Mount Maunganui for the decisive third Test starting Thursday.
