NZ vs WI: Duffy’s Five-Wicket Haul Guides New Zealand to Nine-Wicket Victory

Wellington: New Zealand defeated the West Indies by nine wickets in the second Test on Friday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, thanks to a brilliant bowling performance by Jacob Duffy. Duffy claimed 5 wickets for 38 runs, bundling out the West Indies for 128 runs in their second innings. Fellow pacer Michael Rae contributed with 3 wickets for 45 runs, helping New Zealand set a modest target of 56 runs, which they achieved in just 10 overs, losing only one wicket.

Impact on the Series Table
The win lifted New Zealand to third place in the Test standings, while India remains sixth. Only the top two teams will qualify for the finals.

Match Progression
West Indies had posted 205 runs in their first innings, giving New Zealand a chance to take the lead. New Zealand responded with 278 runs, gaining a 73-run lead. The first Test between the two teams ended in a draw.

Chasing the small target in the second innings, New Zealand lost captain Tom Latham for 9 runs, but Devon Conway (28) and Kane Williamson (16) guided the team to victory. Williamson struck a boundary off Anderson Phillip just before the tea break to seal the win.

Contributions from Debutants
Pace bowler Michael Rae and wicketkeeper-batsman Mitch Hay made significant contributions, taking advantage of injuries in the New Zealand bowling line-up. Hay top-scored with 61 runs in New Zealand’s first innings, while Rae took 6 wickets in the match for 106 runs.

Injuries Challenge NZ Attack
New Zealand’s bowling attack was weakened by injuries to Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Nathan Smith, and the absence of Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears. Blair Tickner, who took four wickets in the first innings, was also injured while fielding, further straining the bowling unit. Despite these setbacks, the West Indies failed to capitalize.

West Indies had started their second innings strongly with 32 runs for 2 wickets, but their innings collapsed due to a lack of partnerships. Brandon King (22) and Cavem Hodge (35) were involved in a crucial run-out, and by lunch, the West Indies were 98 for 6. Duffy’s dismissal of Justin Greaves (25) quickly wrapped up the innings.