WI vs NZ (2nd Test) – Highlights
New Zealand secured a commanding nine-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second Test at Wellington, concluding the contest effectively within three days. The match was defined by a seam-bowling masterclass from the hosts, particularly Jacob Duffy, whose second-innings heroics ensured the visitors had no room to maneuver. The victory highlighted the Black Caps’ enduring strength in home conditions, as they outplayed the West Indies in all three departments to seal the result comfortably.
The match began with the WI batting first after losing the toss. They struggled to build substantial partnerships against a disciplined Kiwi attack. Opener John Campbell provided some resistance with a gritty 44, and Shai Hope looked poised for a big score with a composed 47, but neither could convert their starts into the century required to anchor the innings. Blair Tickner was the primary destroyer in the first innings, claiming four wickets by hitting hard lengths that troubled the Caribbean middle order. The WI collapsed from a relatively stable position to be bowled out for 205, a total that felt below par even on a green Wellington surface.
New Zealand’s reply was anchored by Devon Conway, whose half-century at the top of the order set a solid platform. However, the West Indies bowlers, led by Anderson Phillip, kept the game interesting by chipping away at the middle order. The game’s momentum shifted decisively during the innings of wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay. His aggressive 61 came at a crucial time, pushing the hosts past the West Indies total and building a significant lead. Contributions from the lower order allowed Captain Tom Latham to declare at 278 for 9, holding a valuable lead of 73 runs.
The third innings proved to be the turning point, where the match slipped entirely from the West Indies’ grasp. NZ pacer Jacob Duffy produced a Player of the Match performance, tearing through the batting lineup with figures of 5 for 38. The West Indies’ top order crumbled under the pressure of the deficit and the moving ball. Only Kavem Hodge offered any real fight with a determined 35, while Brandon King and Justin Greaves chipped in with starts that ultimately amounted to little. The tourists were skittled for just 128, setting NZ a meager target of 56 runs for victory.
Although Captain Tom Latham fell cheaply to Anderson Phillip, Devon Conway and Kane Williamson wasted no time in knocking off the required runs. Williamson, in particular, looked in a hurry, scoring a rapid 16 off 12 balls, while Conway remained unbeaten on 28. The pair guided New Zealand to 57 for 1 in just ten overs, capping off a dominant performance that highlighted the gap between the two sides in these conditions.
West Indies vs New Zealand Scoreboard
West Indies – 205 & 128
New Zealand – (T:56) 278/9d & 57/1
Result – New Zealand won by 9 wickets
Player of the Match – Jacob Duffy
Jacob Duffy
WI vs NZ Playing XIs
West Indies | John Campbell, Brandon King, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Roston Chase (c), Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach (wk), Kemar Roach, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields. |
New Zealand | Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Glenn Phillips, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, Michael Rae, Blair Tickner. |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
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