Fans erupt as clinical New Zealand thrash West Indies in the second Test to take 1-0 lead

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New Zealand produced a commanding performance to dismantle West Indies by nine wickets in the second Test at Wellington, storming to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. On a surface that consistently tested batters, the hosts displayed superior discipline with both bat and ball, ensuring the match was completed well before the scheduled fifth day. Despite losing Blair Tickner to an unfortunate shoulder dislocation on Day 1, New Zealand’s bowling unit stepped up brilliantly, with Jacob Duffy and debutant Michael Rae spearheading the demolition job.

Bowlers set the tone for Black Caps

Opting to bowl first, New Zealand wasted little time asserting themselves. The West Indies struggled to stitch together meaningful partnerships, folding for 205.  Tickner bowled superbly before a dislocated shoulder forced him out of the remainder of the Test. His teammates carried the charge forward, ensuring the visitors never looked comfortable.

In response, New Zealand’s batting mirrored the West Indies’ innings in one respect—several starts but few big scores. However, the key difference lay in their contributions from across the order. Devon Conway and debutant Mitchell Hay notched up composed half-centuries, while the lower order added crucial runs to push the total to 278/9 declared, giving the hosts a valuable 73-run lead.

West Indies crumble under pressure as Jacob Duffy sizzles with 5-fer

Facing a deficit on a challenging track, West Indies began their second innings tentatively. They lost two wickets late on Day 2, leaving them under significant pressure heading into the third morning. Although they survived the initial half-hour without damage, a disastrous run-out of Brandon King shattered their brief stability.

From there, New Zealand’s bowlers tightened the screws. Duffy was relentless, exploiting movement off the surface to claim his second five-wicket haul in as many matches. His spell broke the spine of the visitors’ batting, while  Rae continued his impressive debut by picking up a second three-wicket haul of the Test. The West Indies folded for just 128, setting New Zealand a target of 56.

Also READ: West Indies on the back foot as New Zealand gains control with late strikes on Day 2 of Wellington Test

Swift and assured chase completes the rout

New Zealand chased down the modest target with minimal fuss, reaching 57/1 in just 10 overs. The early wicket did little to disrupt their momentum as the hosts wrapped up the match in clinical fashion, drawing raucous applause from the Wellington crowd.

With this emphatic win, New Zealand not only take a 1-0 lead—the first Test having ended in a draw—but also signal strong intent moving deeper into the series. Duffy was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-defining spells, while Hay’s impressive debut and Rae’s impactful bowling further strengthened New Zealand’s growing pool of Test talent.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: NZ vs WI: New Zealand Cricket provides big update on Blair Tickner’s injury

Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com

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