New Zealand delivered a commanding performance to secure a resounding 323-run victory against the West Indies in the third Test match on Monday, clinching the series 2-0 behind a spectacular bowling display from Jacob Duffy. The right-arm seamer achieved a career-best match haul of nine wickets for 128 runs, dismantling the tourists’ batting lineup in a dramatic final session collapse.
The West Indies, set an imposing target of 462 runs, displayed initial resilience with openers Brandon King and John Campbell building an 87-run partnership without loss. King appeared particularly composed during his fluent knock of 67 runs, suggesting the visitors might extend the match deep into the final day. However, the match turned decisively when Duffy’s awkward bounce forced King to glove a catch to gully, triggering a spectacular batting collapse that saw nine wickets fall for just 51 runs.
Spinner Ajaz Patel contributed significantly with his best home figures of 3-23 and 6-136, including the crucial dismissal of Campbell and Kavem Hodge. The latter fell to an exceptional reflex catch by Rachin Ravindra at short leg. Duffy then dominated the middle order with a masterclass in seam bowling, removing Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, and captain Roston Chase in quick succession.
The victory was built upon New Zealand’s mammoth first-innings total of 575 for eight declared, founded on a historic opening partnership between Devon Conway (227) and captain Tom Latham (137). The pair became the first opening combination in Test history to score centuries in both innings of a match, with Conway following his double-century with 100 in the second innings and Latham adding 101.
This comprehensive victory propelled New Zealand to second place behind Australia in the World Test Championship standings. Conway received the Player-of-the-Match award for his extraordinary batting performance, while Duffy earned Player-of-the-Series honors for his series tally of 23 wickets.
West Indies captain Roston Chase acknowledged his team’s inconsistent performance throughout the series, noting they played well in patches but failed to maintain momentum during crucial phases. The tourists had shown promise in the first innings with Kavem Hodge’s century helping them to a respectable 420, but ultimately couldn’t sustain their resistance against New Zealand’s disciplined attack.