Duffy's Five-For Triggers West Indies Collapse as New Zealand Seal First WTC Win
Jacob Duffy produced another outstanding spell to claim his second five-wicket haul of the series as New Zealand wrapped up a dominant victory over West Indies on the third day of the Wellington Test. The visitors were bundled out for just 128, setting New Zealand a modest target of 56, which the hosts chased down with ease before tea to go 1–0 up in the three-match series. The win marked New Zealand’s first success of the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, while West Indies slumped to their sixth defeat in seven matches.
West Indies’ Morning Meltdown
The collapse began early in the morning session when Brandon King, after a steady partnership with overnight batter Kavem Hodge, was run out for 22 following a risky single. Substitute fielder Michael Bracewell’s sharp throw, collected by debutant wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay, left King stranded.
Shai Hope followed in the same over, offering a simple return catch to Michael Rae after closing the bat face. Captain Roston Chase’s lean run continued when he edged a rising delivery from Duffy through to the keeper.
Hodge (35) and first-Test standout Justin Greaves (25) attempted to halt the slide, with Hodge playing fluently through the covers and square leg. But his pull shot in the 31st over found substitute fielder Will Young at midwicket, who completed a superb rebound catch. At 88 for 6, with the lead still under 20, West Indies' chances evaporated.
Duffy Finishes the Job
Duffy then dismantled the lower order with precision. He trapped Greaves lbw after a successful review, induced Tevin Imlach into edging to second slip, and watched Rae pick up his third wicket by removing Jayden Seales caught behind. Duffy completed his five-for by surprising No. 11 Ojay Shields with a short ball, which was miscued to fine leg.
Walking off to applause with the ball raised, Duffy left New Zealand’s openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway with a small chase before tea.
New Zealand Cruise to Victory
Latham and Conway added 26 before Latham was dismissed for a leading edge to third slip off Anderson Phillip. Conway, however, batted aggressively, smashing six boundaries in a rapid unbeaten 28 from 22 deliveries. Kane Williamson (16* off 12) sealed the result with consecutive fours in the tenth over.
Earlier: Tickner and Hay Lead the Way
Earlier in the match, Blair Tickner’s four-wicket haul and Rae’s three-for helped bowl out West Indies for 205. New Zealand responded with 278 for 9 declared, boosted by half-centuries from Conway (61) and Hay (60), though Tickner could not bat after suffering a shoulder injury.
Captains React
New Zealand captain Tom Latham praised his team’s improvement across the Test:
“We took a little bit to get into the game… but we adjusted and bowled better and better in the second innings. Duffy’s five-wicket haul and the contributions from our substitutes were really pleasing.”
He also highlighted the composure shown by debutant Hay and the perseverance of Rae.
West Indies skipper Roston Chase admitted his side failed to capitalise on favourable batting conditions:
“Batting is a concern… This pitch was much easier for batting than Christchurch, but our scores didn’t show it. There’s still one Test left and we can still level the series.”