WELLINGTON – New Zealand secured a commanding nine-wicket triumph against the West Indies within three days at Basin Reserve on December 12, propelled by fast bowler Jacob Duffy’s spectacular second consecutive five-wicket haul. The visitors’ batting lineup crumbled under pressure, dismissed for a meager 128 runs in their second innings—marking their sixth-lowest Test score against New Zealand.
The West Indies, resuming Day 3 at 32/2, initially showed resilience with overnight batters Brandon King and Kavem Hodge building a steady partnership. However, a disastrous run-out of King triggered a catastrophic collapse. Hodge’s indecision led to King being caught short of his crease by a precise throw from Michael Bracewell, swiftly followed by Shai Hope’s dismissal off Michael Rae’s simple return catch.
Duffy’s relentless attack dismantled the middle order, including skipper Roston Chase, who fell for just 2 runs. Hodge’s top-score of 35 ended abruptly with a stunning catch by substitute fielder Will Young. Despite a brief resistance from Justin Greaves (25) and Tevin Imlach, Duffy’s post-lunch breakthroughs sealed the Windies’ fate. Rae complemented Duffy’s 5/38 with 3/45, wrapping up the innings swiftly.
Chasing a trivial target of 56, New Zealand lost Tom Latham early but effortlessly reached 57/1 in just ten overs. Devon Conway’s explosive 28* (22 balls) and Kane Williamson’s composed 16* secured an unassailable 1-0 series lead, with the first Test having ended in a draw.
**Summarized Scores**:
West Indies: 205 & 128 (Hodge 35; Duffy 5/38, Rae 3/45)
New Zealand: 278/9 decl. & 57/1 (Conway 28*, Williamson 16*; Phillip 1/17)
*Result: New Zealand won by 9 wickets*