NZ Crush West Indies for 1-0 Series Lead

AFP/APP

Wellington: Jacob Duffy took 5-38 as New Zealand cruised to a nine-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second Test in Wellington on Friday, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Seamer Duffy bagged his second five-wicket haul in only his third Test to help dismiss the West Indies for 128 after lunch on day three, leaving the hosts needing just 56 runs for victory.

Devon Conway (28) and Kane Williamson (16) guided New Zealand to an emphatic win shortly before tea at the Basin Reserve.

Debutant Michael Rae impressed with 3-45, while Kavem Hodge top-scored for the West Indies with 35 in their second innings.

New Zealand now lead the series 1-0, after the first Test in Christchurch ended in a draw.

Skipper Tom Latham praised his inexperienced bowling attack, depleted by injuries but still highly effective.

“Like Duffy, Zak Foulkes was playing only his third Test, Blair Tickner his fourth, and Rae was on debut,” Latham said. “The way they stood up this week was outstanding. We weren’t at our best with the bat, but the bowlers managed to pull us well ahead of the game.”

The West Indies resumed day three at 32-2, trailing by 41 runs after losing John Campbell and nightwatchman Anderson Phillip late on day two. By lunch they had slumped to 98-6, needing a miracle comeback similar to the first Test.

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New Zealand wrapped up the innings in just 9.2 overs. The collapse began with Justin Greaves falling for 25 to a Duffy lbw that was upheld on review.

“Obviously disappointed,” West Indies captain Roston Chase said. “We thought we were in a good position this morning. But it didn’t happen. Very disappointing after the bowlers brought us back into the game.”

The tourists were dismissed for 205 on day one, with New Zealand replying with 278-9 declared.

West Indies Collapse

Brandon King and Hodge began positively on Friday, countering a pitch offering variable bounce. But King fell for 22 after a disastrous mix-up, run out by Michael Bracewell.

That triggered a mini-collapse as Shai Hope and Chase were removed by Rae and Duffy respectively.

Hodge reached 35 but fell to a stunning diving catch by Will Young at midwicket.

Chase said the side needed to take responsibility for poor batting.

“It’s about converting starts—buckling down, having determination, carrying it far,” he said. “We got some good balls, yes, but sometimes we just give it away too easily when we get into the 30s and 40s.”

The third and final Test begins Thursday in Mount Maunganui.