WELLINGTON, Dec 12: Jacob Duffy claimed his second five wicket haul of the series as New Zealand defeated West Indies by nine wickets in the second Test at Wellington, taking a 1-0 lead in the three match series.
West Indies were bowled out for 128 in their second innings, setting a modest target of 56 for the hosts. Chasing the total, opener Devon Conway remained unbeaten on 28 off 22 balls, while Kane Williamson contributed 16 off 12 to seal a comfortable win for New Zealand.
The victory marked New Zealand’s first win in the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, while West Indies have now lost six of seven matches in this cycle.
Opting to field, New Zealand bowled out West Indies for 205 on the opening day. Blair Tickner impressed with the ball but was forced to leave the match due to a dislocated shoulder. In New Zealand’s first innings, half-centuries from Conway (60) and Mitchell Hay (61) helped the hosts take a 73-run lead.
West Indies’ second innings quickly collapsed. Early resistance from Brandon King and Shai Hope ended with a series of wickets, including a Duffy five-for. Michael Rae also contributed with three wickets, dismantling the visitors’ lower order and reducing the chase to a formality.
In the run chase, openers Tom Latham and Conway added 26 runs before Latham was dismissed. Conway’s unbeaten counterattack and Williamson’s brisk finishing ensured New Zealand reached the target in just 10 overs.
Brief scores:
New Zealand: 278/9 dec. (Hay 61, Conway 60; Phillip 3/70) & 57/1 (Conway 28*, Williamson 16*)
West Indies: 205 (Hope 47; Tickner 4/32) & 128 (Hodge 35; Duffy 5/38, Rae 3/45)