Duffy five-for triggers West Indies slide to give New Zealand first win of WTC cycle

Jacob Duffy, who had to wait until his 31st birthday for a Test debut earlier this year, claimed his second five-wicket haul of the series as West Indies folded tamely on the third day in Wellington.

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Bowled out for just 128, West Indies left New Zealand a target of 56, which was knocked off before tea for a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with one game to go. It was New Zealand's first win of the 2025-27 World Test Championships [WTC] cycle. West Indies, meanwhile, have now lost six of their seven outings in this cycle and remain winless.The collapse began with Brandon King's run-out for 22 in the morning session. After a careful start with overnight partner Kaveem Hodge (35), King set off for a risky single in the morning's eighth over. Sent back and left stranded, he was gone once substitute Michael Bracewell's sharp throw was relayed on to the stumps by debutant wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay.

Shai Hope fell in the same over after closing the bat face in an attempt to work Michael Rae to the leg side, offering a simple return catch. Roston Chase, averaging under 16 as Test captain, then nicked a rising delivery from Duffy through to the keeper.

Hodge and first-Test hero Justin Greaves (25) attempted to stabilising things, with Hodge unfurling crisp strokes through the covers and square leg. But in the 31st over, one of those well-struck pulls picked out substitute fielder Will Young, who held a superb rebound catch at midwicket.