New Zealand delivered a commanding and ruthless performance on Monday at Mount Maunganui, securing a massive 323-run victory over the West Indies after tea on the final day. This win in the third Test handed the Black Caps a 2-0 series triumph, concluding a dominant home summer.
Duffy, Patel Trigger Dramatic West Indies Collapse
Chasing an imposing target of 462 runs, the West Indies batting order crumbled, being dismissed for a mere 138. Their innings fell apart rapidly either side of the lunch break, concluding within four overs after the tea interval. The architect of the collapse was seamer Jacob Duffy, who produced a devastating spell to finish with figures of 5 for 42.
He received incisive support from left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, who exploited a cracked pitch offering uneven bounce to claim 3 for 23. The defeat marked a disappointing end to the tour for the West Indies, who had drawn the first Test in Christchurch before losing in Wellington and Mount Maunganui.
King's Resistance Briefly Shines Before Collapse
The final day began with a flicker of hope for the visitors, who resumed at 43 without loss. Opener Brandon King played fluently, dominating the early exchanges. He scored 53 of the team's first 59 runs with a flurry of attractive strokes and went on to top-score with 67 runs.
However, the match turned decisively after the morning drinks break. Duffy broke the crucial opening partnership at 87 when King gloved a rising delivery to Glenn Phillips at gully. From that point, the West Indies innings unraveled at an alarming speed.
Ajaz Patel struck in the very next over, removing John Campbell for 16. He then dismissed first-innings centurion Kavem Hodge for a duck. Duffy then ran through the middle order, claiming the wickets of Alick Athanaze and Justin Greaves in quick succession. He capped off his brilliant spell by having West Indies captain Roston Chase caught for just five runs, sealing a miserable series for the skipper who averaged only seven.
Historic Feat by NZ Openers Sets Up Victory
New Zealand's dominance was built on a monumental foundation laid by their openers in the first innings. Devon Conway smashed a magnificent 227, while captain Tom Latham scored 137. In a historic first-class cricket record, both batsmen repeated the feat in the second innings, with Conway scoring 100 and Latham making 101. This made them the first opening pair in history to score twin centuries each in the same match.
This colossal batting effort allowed New Zealand to declare and set a target far beyond the West Indies' reach. The visitors' tail offered little resistance after the top-order collapse, with Patel and Duffy mopping up the final wickets to seal a comprehensive victory for the home side.
