Fast bowler Jacob Duffy’s destructive spell, claiming a career-best 9 for 128, propelled New Zealand to a magnificent 323-run victory over the West Indies in the third Test in New Zealand, clinching the series 2-0.
West Indies were set a far-fetched 462 runs for victory. Their resistance collapsed from 87 for one to 138 all out on the fifth day, as Duffy bagged 5-42.
Openers Brandon King and John Campbell began positively, surviving the first hour, with King on 67.
The pair took the score to 87 without loss until Duffy made the breakthrough, having King caught by Phillips.
King’s wicket triggered a disastrous chain reaction that quickly unravelled the innings. Spinner Ajaz Patel claimed 3-23, first removing Campbell for 16, and soon after had Kavem Hodge spectacularly caught by Rachin Ravindra for nought.
Duffy then attacked the middle order with his bowling. He claimed the wickets of Alick Athanaze (2) and Justin Greaves (0) with edges behind. After lunch, Duffy removed captain Roston Chase for 5, leaving the West Indies slumping to 104-6.
Shai Hope offered resistance, facing 78 balls for just three runs before Patel dismissed him via DRS. The tailenders managed only brief resistance before falling quickly.
Duffy returned to clean bowl Jayden Seales and complete his five-wicket haul (5-42). This sealed the match and the series. The 31-year-old was named Player-of-the-Series.
The West Indies lost their final nine wickets for just 51 runs, and New Zealand secured a comprehensive series victory.
New Zealand made a mammoth first-innings total of 575 for 8 declared, with a historic opening partnership between Devon Conway (227) and Tom Latham (137). They became the first-ever opening pair to score centuries in both innings of a Test.
