Duffy leads New Zealand to dominant nine-wicket win over West Indies

WELLINGTON: Jacob Duffy delivered another outstanding spell, taking five for 38 as New Zealand’s patched-up bowling attack bundled out West Indies for just 128 on day three of the second Test at Basin Reserve on Friday. The clinical performance paved the way for a comfortable nine-wicket victory and handed the Black Caps a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Despite missing several frontline seamers and losing Blair Tickner to a shoulder dislocation on day one, New Zealand’s bowlers tore through the West Indies lineup, leaving the hosts with a modest chase of 56 runs. Devon Conway (28 not out) and Kane Williamson (16 not out) guided the side home before tea, sealing a win that ensures New Zealand cannot lose the series ahead of next week’s final Test in Tauranga.

Duffy, playing just his third Test, claimed his second consecutive five-wicket haul of the series. He was ably supported by debutant Michael Rae, who capped an impressive performance with figures of 3-45 for a six-wicket match haul.

“The way the guys bowled today was awesome… just a great team performance,” Duffy said. “I’m so stoked for Michael Rae. Six wickets on debut is nothing to scoff at.”

West Indies, who pulled off a dramatic escape for a draw in Christchurch, needed another monumental effort after trailing by 73 runs in the first innings. But their hopes faded quickly. Kavem Hodge top-scored with 35, while only two others passed 20. Resuming on 32 for two, the visitors batted steadily before a mix-up saw Hodge run out Brandon King for 22, and Rae dismissed Shai Hope moments later to trigger a rapid collapse.