New Zealand secured a commanding nine-wicket triumph against the West Indies on Friday’s third day of the second Test at Basin Reserve, propelled by fast bowler Jacob Duffy’s spectacular second-innings performance. The visitors collapsed to a meager 128 runs in their second innings—marking their sixth-lowest Test total against New Zealand—after trailing by 73 runs from the first innings.
Duffy achieved his second consecutive five-wicket haul in the series, finishing with impressive figures of 5-38, while Michael Rae contributed significantly with 3-45. The West Indies, resuming at 32-2, initially showed resilience through overnight batsmen Brandon King and Kavem Hodge. However, a disastrous run-out of King triggered a catastrophic batting collapse. King was caught short of his crease following a miscommunication with Hodge and an accurate throw from Michael Bracewell.
The dismissal sparked a rapid unraveling of the West Indies’ lineup. Shai Hope fell five balls later, offering a simple return catch to Rae. Captain Roston Chase continued his poor form, gloving a sharp delivery from Duffy to the wicketkeeper after scoring just two runs. Hodge’s departure for a team-high 35—caught brilliantly by substitute fielder Will Young—effectively ended the contest at 88-6.
Though Justin Greaves (25) and Tevin Imlach provided brief resistance, Duffy’s post-lunch breakthrough, dismissing Greaves lbw via review, swiftly curtailed their efforts. Imlach fell soon after, caught at second slip off Duffy’s bowling. The tailenders offered little resistance, with Rae clean bowling Jayden Seales and Duffy claiming the final wicket of Ojay Shields.
Chasing a modest target of 56 runs, New Zealand suffered an early setback with captain Tom Latham falling for nine to Anderson Phillip. However, Devon Conway’s explosive unbeaten 28 off 22 balls (including six boundaries) and Kane Williamson’s composed 16 not out guided the hosts to victory in just ten overs, securing a 1-0 series lead after the first Test ended in a draw.