In Wellington on December 12, New Zealand beat the West Indies by nine wickets in the second Test, handing the visitors a 1‑0 lead in a three‑match series with a game to spare. Jacob Duffy not only secured his second five‑wicket haul of the series but also guided the hosts to a comfortable win.
The West Indies were dismissed for just 128 in their second innings, setting a modest 56‑run target for New Zealand. While the visitors struggled early, opener Devon Conway stayed solid with an unbeaten 28 off 22 balls, and Kane Williamson finished the chase with a quick 16 off 12.
This victory marks New Zealand’s maiden win in the 2025‑27 World Test Championship cycle. For the West Indies, the result brings them to six losses out of seven matches this cycle, leaving them winless.
New Zealand opted to field first and dismantled the West Indies for 205 on day one. Blair Tickner emerged as the standout bowler, although a dislocated shoulder ruled him out for the remainder of the Test. New Zealand’s first innings, which ended at 278/9 declared, was propelled by half‑centuries from Conway (60) and Mitchell Hay (61).
West Indies struggled in their second innings. After losing two wickets in the opening ten overs and a shaky start on day two, they seemed to steady themselves on the third morning. However, a run‑out of Brandon King set off a collapse: Shai Hope fell in the same over, and captain Roston Chase was dismissed soon after. Hodge and Justin Greaves (25) tried to steer the innings, but Hodge’s pull in the 31st over was caught by substitute Will Young. At 88 for 6, with the chase essentially over, Duffy continued his lethal spell, removing Greaves lbw on review, then dismissing Tevin Imlach, Jayden Seales, and No. 11 Ojay Shields in quick succession.
When New Zealand batted again, Tom Latham and Conway added 26 runs in seven overs before Latham was out to a leading edge off Anderson Phillip. Conway then finished on an unbeaten 28, supplementing the chase, while Williamson’s 16 off 12 sealed the win.
Quick scores: New Zealand 278/9 declared (Hay 61, Conway 60, Phillip 3/70) and 57/1 (Conway 28, Williamson 16, Phillip 1/17) defeat West Indies 205 (Hope 47, Tickner 4/32) and 128 (Hodge 35, Duffy 5/38, Rae 3/45) by nine wickets.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
