Duffy’s Devastating Five-For Sparks WI Collapse as New Zealand Seal First WTC Win

Duffy’s Five-For Crushes West Indies as New Zealand Clinch First WTC Win in Wellington

New Zealand surged to their first victory of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle after demolishing West Indies by nine wickets on the third day of the second Test in Wellington. Jacob Duffy, who only made his Test debut earlier this year at 31, delivered another exceptional performance, claiming 5 for 38 as West Indies crashed to 128 all out in their second innings.

Set a target of just 56, New Zealand’s chase was completed swiftly by Devon Conway (28)* and *Kane Williamson (16)**, guiding the hosts to a 1–0 lead in the three-match series before tea.

West Indies Collapse Under Pressure

West Indies began the morning resolutely, but their innings unraveled dramatically after a chaotic run-out removed Brandon King for 22. Substitute fielder Michael Bracewell’s sharp work and debutant wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay’s quick relay triggered the slide.

Shai Hope fell moments later, chipping a simple return catch to Michael Rae, before captain Roston Chase nicked a rising Duffy delivery to the keeper. Kavem Hodge (35) and Justin Greaves (25) attempted to rebuild, but Hodge’s crisp pull shot found substitute Will Young at midwicket as the visitors slumped further.

New Zealand kept tightening the screws. Rae continued his impressive debut with crucial breakthroughs, while Duffy struck in rapid succession—trapping Greaves lbw on review, inducing a loose drive from Tevin Imlach, and dismissing No. 11 Ojay Shields with a short ball to complete his five-for. West Indies were left defending a tiny lead of 55, far too little on a responsive surface.

Clinical Chase by New Zealand

Openers Tom Latham and Conway strode out with intent. Latham departed for 18 after edging Anderson Phillip to slip, but Conway’s brisk, attractive knock — six boundaries in 22 balls — ensured the result was never in doubt. Williamson finished the game in style with back-to-back boundaries.

NZ’s Bowling Unit Shines

The groundwork for New Zealand’s win was laid earlier by Blair Tickner’s 4 for 32 in the first innings and Rae’s six wickets across the match. With the bat, Conway (61) and Hay (60) had steadied the first innings despite an early wobble, allowing the hosts to carve out a vital 73-run lead.

Captains Reflect

New Zealand captain Tom Latham praised his side’s progression throughout the Test.
“We took a little time to get into the game, but the way the bowlers adapted and how Duffy finished things off was outstanding,” he said. “Mitch Hay also handled the pressure beautifully in the first innings, and Rae put in a massive shift into the wind.”

West Indies skipper Roston Chase admitted his batters squandered favourable conditions.
“We never really capitalised,” he said. “This pitch was easier for batting than Christchurch, but the scores didn’t show that. There’s still one Test to go, and the aim is to level the series.”

Up Next

The third Test begins on December 18 in Mount Maunganui, with West Indies seeking to avoid a series defeat.