New Zealand churned out a commanding performance to defeat West Indies by nine wickets in the second Test at the Basin Reserve on Friday, securing a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. The West Indies were bundled out for 128 in their second innings after being dismissed for 205 in the first, handing New Zealand a modest target of 56 runs for victory. New Zealand’s bowling attack was incredibly relentless throughout the day, with Jacob Duffy leading the charge. He claimed five wickets, mowing down West Indies' batting line-up.
In reply, New Zealand's top order chased down the target smoothly. Devon Conway remained unbeaten on 28, while Kane Williamson scored 16 unbeaten, steering New Zealand to victory. Despite a host of injuries in their bowling stocks at the start of the match, New Zealand’s bowling unit performed brilliantly to keep pressure on the West Indies batsmen.
Earlier in the match, New Zealand had established control by posting 278 for 9 declared in their first innings in reply to the West Indies’ 205. A pair of half-centuries from Mitchell Hay (61) and Devon Conway (60) laid the foundation of a big total, helping the hosts take a key 73-run advantage. This victory provides a valuable boost in the ICC World Test Championship standings.