Duffy Shines with Five Wickets as New Zealand Dominates West Indies

New Zealand’s bowlers, led by a remarkable performance from Michael Duffy, dismantled the West Indies batting lineup, claiming victory in the second Test match at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Duffy’s figures of 5-34 helped bowl the West Indies out for just 167, following what had been a promising start at 100-2.

The West Indies, responding to New Zealand’s first innings total of 231, began positively with openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Shai Hope forming a solid partnership. The duo put together 90 runs for the third wicket before the innings crumbled, with Hope scoring 56 before being caught behind off a short ball from Duffy.

After a rain delay, New Zealand resumed play and swiftly took control. Duffy’s two-wicket over sent the West Indies into a downward spiral, as he dismissed both Jayden Seales and Ojay Shields in quick succession, contributing to a collapse that saw the visitors lose their last eight wickets for just 67 runs.

New Zealand finished the day on 32 for no loss, establishing a lead of 96 runs. Openers Tom Latham (14) and Devon Conway (15) will look to build on this advantage when play resumes.

The day started with New Zealand taking two early wickets, capitalizing on a lively pitch. Despite being dropped twice, Chanderpaul managed to reach a hard-earned half-century, though his innings eventually ended after 169 balls without adding significant runs to the scoreboard. A stunning catch from Conway, redeeming himself for an earlier drop, marked the end of Chanderpaul’s determined effort.

Reflecting on the day’s play, all-rounder Zak Foulkes acknowledged the West Indies’ brief resurgence, stating, “Obviously they got a bit of a partnership going, we knew they would at some stage, and it coincided with the ball stopping swinging.” He praised Duffy’s role as an enforcer in the bowling attack, remarking on the shifting conditions that saw the ball swing again towards the end of the day’s play.

As the match progresses, New Zealand will aim to extend their lead and put the West Indies under further pressure, while the touring side must regroup to mount a stronger challenge in the coming days.