Jacob Duffy Stars as New Zealand Crush West Indies in Wellington Test

New Zealand took firm control of the ICC World Test Championship fixture against the West Indies in the second Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, clinching a dominant nine-wicket victory to go 1-0 up in the three-match series. The hosts demonstrated both batting depth and bowling potency, ensuring a convincing win after the visitors struggled with consistency in both innings.

Electing to bowl first, New Zealand’s pace attack quickly made inroads into the West Indies lineup on a pitch offering movement early on. The visitors were dismissed for 205 runs in their first innings, with Jacob Duffy emerging as the standout bowler. The experienced seamer used the conditions effectively, finishing with a five-wicket haul to dismantle the West Indian batting order. Support came from Michael Rae, who claimed three wickets in his Test debut, providing crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.

In response, New Zealand’s batting lineup applied itself well under pressure. Mitch Hay, making his first Test appearance, impressed by anchoring the innings with a composed 61, adapting quickly to the demands of the longest format. Devon Conway also made a significant contribution with 60 runs, helping the hosts build a 73-run first-innings lead. These key partnerships laid the platform for a commanding position in the match, despite a few late wickets falling.

The West Indies’ second innings was a disappointing batting display as they were dismissed for just 128 runs. Once again, Duffy led the charge for New Zealand, continuing his fine form and finishing with figures that underscored his influence on the game. The Windies’ batting order failed to produce substantial partnerships, with only Kavem Hodge offering notable resistance, scoring 35 runs. The visitors’ total left a negligible target for the home side to chase.

New Zealand’s run chase was swift and composed. The team reached the required 56 runs with ease, losing just one wicket. Devon Conway remained unbeaten on 28, while Kane Williamson contributed a quickfire 16, guiding the Black Caps home with time to spare. The efficiency of the chase reflected the gulf in performance between the sides and highlighted New Zealand’s superior control in all departments of the game.

Jacob Duffy was deservedly named Player of the Match for his incisive bowling performance, which played a pivotal role in crippling West Indies’ batting efforts in both innings. His ability to extract movement and maintain disciplined lines proved decisive on a Wellington surface that offered assistance to bowlers early.

This victory not only put New Zealand ahead in the series but also boosted their standing in the ICC World Test Championship cycle. The Black Caps will be encouraged by the performance, especially the impactful contributions from new faces like Hay and Rae, as they aim to wrap up the series in the remaining Test matches. Meanwhile, the West Indies must regroup and address their batting frailties before the third Test if they hope to level the series.