NEW DELHI: Jacob Duffy produced another outstanding spell, grabbing 5 for 38 as a depleted New Zealand attack bundled out the West Indies for just 128 on the third day, paving the way for a commanding nine-wicket victory in the second Test in Wellington.
The win gives New Zealand a 1–0 lead in the three-match series after the opening Test ended in a draw. The teams now head into the decider starting December 18.
Duffy, who also took a five-for in the first Test, dismantled the West Indies lineup as they mustered an overall lead of only 55, having already conceded a 73-run deficit in the first innings.
The BLACKCAPS get the result here in Wellington 🙌
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The third and final Tegel Test v the West Indies starts in Tauranga on the 18th of December, see you there!#NZvWIN | 📸 @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/8b7EtM6Dvm
Chasing 56 for victory, New Zealand cruised home in 10 overs, losing only Tom Latham for 9. Devon Conway finished unbeaten on 28, while Kane Williamson sealed the result with a boundary off Anderson Phillip, moments before the scheduled tea break.
The victory was also shaped by impactful Test debuts from pacer Michael Rae and wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay, both stepping up impressively in a side hit hard by injuries.
Hay top-scored in the match with a composed 61 as New Zealand posted 278 in their first innings, responding to the West Indies' 205. Rae impressed on debut as well, picking up 3 for 66 in the first innings and 3 for 45 in the second to finish with excellent match figures of 6 for 106.
New Zealand's bowling attack, already depleted by injuries to Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke and Nathan Smith and the absences of Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears was further weakened when Blair Tickner suffered a dislocated left shoulder in a fielding mishap after taking 4-32 in the first innings. He was playing his first test in two years.
Job done with the ball! Jacob Duffy with his second Test 5fer in as many games.
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 12, 2025
FREE ENTRY for the remainder of the day! If you're in Wellington, there's one place to be, and it's right here at the Cello Basin Reserve.#NZvWIN | 📸 @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/Xcw4qdHTYr
Pressure again fell on Duffy, who bowled 19 overs in the West Indies first innings and 17.2 of the 46.2 overs bowled in the second innings. That came after he was called to bowl 43 overs in the second innings of the first test and 60 overs in that match after injuries to Henry and Smith left New Zealand with only two fit pacers.
"I guess to lose (Tickner) like that . . . he bowled great in the first innings and I thought the way the guys bowled today was awesome," Duffy said. "I thought it was a great team performance and we got the job done. Day three, how good?"
The West Indies made 205 after being sent in Wednesday on a light green pitch at the Basin Reserve which provided pace, bounce and a little movement on all three days. Shai Hope top-scored with 47 and John Campbell made 44.
Hay's maiden half century and Devon Conway's 60 helped New Zealand establish a significant first innings lead.
The West Indies resumed at 32-2 Friday, still 41 runs behind after losing Campbell and nightwatchman Anderson Phillip late on the second day.
New Zealand captured four wickets in the first session, including the wicket of Hope to take full command of the match. The West Indies' slump began when Brandon King (22) was run out in a mix-up with Kavem Hodge.
The West Indies were 98-6 at lunch, only 25 in front.
Duffy claimed the vital wicket of Justin Greaves, whose monumental double century in the first test earned the West Indies a draw after they were set 531 to win. New Zealand appealed when the ball struck Greaves on the pad, but their appeal was declined. They reviewed and the replay showed the ball hitting leg stump.
The end came quickly. Duffy dismissed Tevin Imlach (5), Rae removed Jayden Seales (0), then Rae caught Ojay Seales in the deep off Duffy to end the innings.
"I think the batting is a bit of a concern, coming from the first test, having a beautiful second innings," West Indies captain Roston Chase said. "Our batters never capitalized on the conditions.
"I thought we got some starts in the first innings but no one really went big and in the second innings no one got a start."
(With AP Inputs)