NEW DELHI: Jacob Duffy produced a match-winning spell of 4-35, dismantling the top order and returning for a key late strike, as New Zealand defeated West Indies by eight wickets in the fifth and final T20I on Thursday to seal the series 3-1.

Duffy’s burst in the third over left West Indies reeling at 21-4 before he returned later to dismiss Romario Shepherd, who top-scored with 36 off 22 balls. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 140 in 18.4 overs at Dunedin’s University Oval.

New Zealand’s chase was calm and clinical, reaching 141-2 in just 16 overs. Devon Conway anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47, putting on 69 with Tim Robinson (45 off 24) for the opening stand, followed by useful partnerships with Rachin Ravindra (21) and Mark Chapman (21*).

The win completed a strong comeback for New Zealand after losing the opening game of the series by seven runs. They edged the next two thrillers by three and nine runs respectively, while the fourth match was washed out due to rain.

Duffy named Player of the Series

Duffy’s consistent new-ball success earned him the Player of the Series award after claiming 10 wickets across the four completed matches.

“I guess in Twenty20 a huge asset of mine is that swing up top and taking wickets in the powerplay is always pretty important,” Duffy said. “That’s always my role — to swing the ball early and try to make things happen.”

The West Indies started aggressively after being sent in, with Alick Athanaze striking a six off the first ball of the match. However, the conditions — a grassy pitch and overcast skies — offered enough movement for the Kiwi seamers to keep the scoring in check.

Athanaze was caught and bowled by Kyle Jamieson in the second over before Duffy ripped through the top order, removing skipper Shai Hope (11), Ackeem Auguste (8) and Sherfane Rutherford (0) in quick succession.

When Rovman Powell (11) fell to Michael Bracewell after the powerplay, the tourists slipped to 48-5. Roston Chase (38) and Jason Holder (20) stitched together a 42-run stand, but the resistance was brief. Shepherd’s late fireworks — three sixes and three fours — lifted West Indies to a modest total before Duffy struck again.

ODI series up next

The two sides will now turn their attention to a three-match ODI series beginning Sunday at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

West Indies have recalled left-handed opener John Campbell, while Matthew Forde, Johann Layne and Shamar Springer bolster the pace attack. The team will, however, miss Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Ramon Simmonds and Jediah Blades, all sidelined due to injuries.

(With PTI Inputs)