New Zealand achieved a convincing nine-wicket victory over the West Indies on Day 3 of the 2nd Test at the Basin Reserve. This win gives them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Starting the day with a strong advantage, the Kiwis quickly took control and secured their first win of the WTC 2025-27 cycle. This victory provided a significant confidence boost after the hard-fought draw in the opening Test.
The morning session saw New Zealand’s pace trio of Jacob Duffy, Josh Rae, and Zakary Foulkes dominate the play. The West Indies, already two wickets down from late on Day 2, continued their struggles as the Kiwi bowlers exploited the conditions. Duffy finished with his second consecutive five-wicket haul by dismissing Ojay Shields, leaving the visitors all out for 128 runs and a 55 runs lead only in the second innings.
Chasing a modest target, New Zealand completed the match in under 10 overs, losing only one wicket. This result underscored the West Indies’ ongoing issues with their top order as they head into the final Test, needing a significant turnaround to avoid a series defeat.
Day 3 Highlights
The West Indies resumed Day 3 at 32/2 after losing opener John Campbell and nightwatchman Anderson Phillip in the final hour of Day 2. With the deficit still significant, the visitors needed resilience and runs on the board to stay alive in the contest.
Brandon King was the first to go on Day 3, run out after a mix-up during Michael Rae’s over. This left the West Indies three down within the first hour. King scored 22 off 47 balls, including a steady 25-run partnership with Kavem Hodge, but his dismissal shifted the momentum to New Zealand. Moments later, Rae struck again, this time dismissing the in-form Shai Hope with a sharp caught-and-bowled. Skipper Roston Chase’s poor form continued shortly after when Jacob Duffy got him out in the 23rd over, putting the visitors into deeper trouble at 70/5.
Hodge tried to stabilize the innings with a composed 35, but wickets continued to fall around him. Zakary Foulkes eventually dismissed him, leaving the West Indies without a solid partner to rebuild. Duffy then returned and trapped Justin Greaves LBW for 25 after a successful New Zealand review, tightening their grip further. The tail offered little resistance as the visitors could only add 15 more runs, folding for 128 in 46.2 overs. Duffy achieved his second five-wicket haul of the series, while Rae added an impressive three-wicket haul on debut.
In response, New Zealand approached the chase aggressively, aiming to finish the match within three days. Devon Conway hit early boundaries to set the tone. Even after losing skipper Tom Latham in the eighth over, Conway and Kane Williamson calmly guided the hosts home in just 10 overs. This nine-wicket win marked New Zealand’s first victory of the WTC 2025–27 cycle.
The third and final Test of the series will begin on 18 December at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, where the West Indies must win to level the series.
Brief Scores – NZ vs WI 2nd Test (10–14 Dec, Basin Reserve)
West Indies 1st Innings: 205 (75 Overs)
- Hope 48, Campbell 44 | Tickner 4/32
New Zealand 1st Innings: 278/9 dec (74.4 Overs)
- Conway 60, Hay 61 | Phillip 3/70
West Indies 2nd Innings: 128 (46.2 Overs)
- Hodge 35, Greaves 25 | Duffy 5/38
New Zealand 2nd Innings: 57/1 (10 Overs)
- Conway 28, Williamson 16 | Phillip 1/17
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