New Zealand secured a dominant 323-run victory over the West Indies on the final day of the second Test at Mount Maunganui, sealing the series 2-0.
The visitors suffered a catastrophic collapse, plummeting from 87-0 to 138 all out. Jacob Duffy was the star of the show, claiming 5-42 and breaking Sir Richard Hadlee’s record for the most wickets in a calendar year for the Black Caps.
Spinner Ajaz Patel played a crucial supporting role, taking 3-23 on a treacherous Bay Oval surface that offered nearly 16 degrees of turn. Despite a spirited 67 from Brandon King, the West Indies middle order crumbled against Duffy’s bounce and Ajaz’s precision.
The win propels New Zealand to second place in the World Test Championship table. Meanwhile, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over Kane Williamson, who hinted that this might have been his final Test appearance on home soil before the upcoming tour of India.
