New Zealand’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Jacob Duffy’s impressive five-wicket haul, dismantled the West Indies batting lineup on day two of the opening Test at Basin Reserve on Tuesday. The visitors collapsed to a meager 167 all out in response to New Zealand’s first innings total of 231, handing the hosts a commanding position with a 96-run overall lead.
Despite resilient half-centuries from opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul (52) and Shai Hope (56), the West Indies innings unraveled dramatically after Hope’s dismissal. The Caribbean side lost their last seven wickets for just 61 runs in a display of clinical bowling from the Black Caps.
Duffy emerged as the destruction chief with remarkable figures of 5-34, supported by Matt Henry’s 3-43 and contributions from debutant Zak Foulkes (2-32). The pace trio exploited the conditions effectively, with Henry triggering the collapse by removing captain Roston Chase and Justin Greaves for ducks in quick succession.
New Zealand’s openers Devon Conway (15*) and Tom Latham (14*) navigated a potentially tricky 30-minute period before stumps with minimal discomfort, reaching 32 without loss against sometimes wayward West Indies bowling.
The match situation positions New Zealand favorably to push for victory as the pitch continues to offer assistance to the bowlers, while the West Indies face an uphill battle to salvage the contest.