New Zealand crushed West Indies by nine wickets in the second Test of the three-match series in Wellington. Jacob Duffy (5/38) and Michael Rae (3/45) demolished the West Indies batting in the second innings. The hero of the last Test, Justin Greaves, showed some resistance along with Brandon King and Kevon Hodge. However, West Indies still collapsed for just 128 on the third day. New Zealand then chased the small target of 56 before tea to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.

This was New Zealand’s first win in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. West Indies, on the other hand, have now lost six of their seven matches in this cycle and still have no wins.

Collapse Begins With King’s Run-Out

West Indies fell apart shortly after the start of play. Brandon King, who had resumed at the crease with Kavem Hodge (35), played cautiously at first. But he attempted a risky single in the eighth over of the morning. He was sent back and left stranded. Substitute Michael Bracewell fired a sharp throw, and debutant wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay completed the run-out.

In that same over, Shai Hope tried to work Michael Rae to the leg side. He closed his bat face too early and offered an easy return catch.

Roston Chase, who averages under 16 as Test captain, followed soon after. He edged a rising delivery from Duffy to the wicketkeeper.

Hodge and Greaves Resist Briefly

Hodge and first-Test hero Justin Greaves (25) tried to steady the innings. Hodge played attractive strokes through the covers and square leg. But in the 31st over, one of his well-timed pull shots went straight to substitute fielder Will Young. Young held a sharp rebound catch at midwicket.

At 88 for 6, with the lead still not even 20, West Indies had no realistic chance left.

Duffy Finishes the Job

Duffy then quickened the end. He trapped Greaves lbw with a full ball that cut in. The umpire gave it not out at first, but New Zealand overturned the call on review. In his next over, he drew Tevin Imlach into a loose drive. The edge carried to second slip.

Michael Rae added a third wicket when he got Jayden Seales caught behind. Duffy completed his five-for by going short to No. 11 Ojay Shields, who mistimed a leg-side swing to fine leg.

Duffy walked off raising the ball to the crowd as applause followed him. Openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway padded up with an hour still left before tea and only 56 needed.

New Zealand Cruise to the Target

Latham and Conway opened calmly. They added 26 in seven overs. Latham then chipped a leading edge to third slip off Anderson Phillip.

Conway kept attacking. He struck six fours in an unbeaten 22-ball 28. Kane Williamson finished the match quickly, scoring 16 off 12, including back-to-back boundaries in the tenth over.

How the Test Reached This Point

Earlier in the match, Blair Tickner led New Zealand’s bowling in the first innings with four wickets, while Rae added three more. That effort bowled West Indies out for 205.

New Zealand responded with 278 for 9 declared, as Tickner could not bat due to a shoulder injury. Half-centuries from Conway (61) and Mitchell Hay (60) gave New Zealand a useful lead. That lead became decisive once West Indies folded in the second innings.

Latham Praises Progress and Contributions

After the victory, captain Tom Latham said the team improved as the match went on. He noted, “we got better and better” as the Test progressed.

He added, “We took a little bit to get into the game, morning of day one, potentially some heavy legs. But we adjusted things and we bowled better and better in the second innings. And obviously Duffy on the back of that [five-wicket haul] and some of our substitutes coming on and getting on the board [was pleasing].

“Mitch Hay played beautifully in the first innings coming under pressure. The way he played was pretty much the way he plays for Canterbury and that's what we asked of him. And Michael Rae picked up some really important wickets on day one, trucked into the wind all week. All those efforts do not go unnoticed. We probably weren't where we wanted to be with the bat but we can look into that over the rest of this week.”

Chase Admits Batting Failures

West Indies captain Roston Chase agreed that his batters wasted favourable conditions. He said, “Batting is a bit of a concern, after coming from the first Test, that beautiful second innings [in Christchurch]. But we came here and our batters never really capitalised. Initially we thought the pitch would be similar to Christchurch. But this pitch was a lot easier for batting. The scores didn't reflect that. There is still one Test match left and we can still level the series. That can help motivate the guys further.”

Brief Scorecard