Jacob Duffy’s Five-Wicket Masterclass Puts New Zealand in the Driver’s Seat in 1st Test Against West Indies

Jacob Duffy’s five-wicket haul gave New Zealand a 64-run first-innings lead over the West Indies, who were bowled out for 167 in the first Test on Wednesday. At the end of day two in Christchurch, New Zealand were 32/0 in their second innings, holding a 96-run lead. Devon Conway was unbeaten on 15, while Tom Latham was on 14.

After a rain break in the final session, Duffy took the last four West Indies wickets for just two runs in 16 balls.

Earlier in the day, Duffy also removed the West Indies’ top scorer, Shai Hope, who made 56. He finished with career-best figures of 5/34.

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Hope & Chanderpaul Build WI Resistance

Half-centuries from Shai Hope and Tagenarine Chanderpaul formed the backbone of the West Indies innings, adding 90 runs for the third wicket.

Hope, wearing sunglasses due to an eye infection, walked in with the West Indies struggling at 10/2. Even with conjunctivitis and regular eye-drop breaks, he played a controlled knock to reach his sixth Test fifty. But on 56, he gloved a short ball from Jacob Duffy to wicketkeeper Tom Latham.

Matt Henry then produced a double-wicket maiden, removing Roston Chase and Justin Greaves—both caught behind—taking the West Indies from 100/2 to 106/5.

NZ Strike Back Strongly After Tea

Chanderpaul fought hard for his 52 off 169 balls before Zak Foulkes dismissed him after the tea break under gloomy skies with floodlights on.

Chanderpaul had been dropped twice by Devon Conway at leg slip on 5 and 24, but Conway made up for it later with a sharp catch at mid-wicket.

After a 30-minute rain break, Duffy cleaned up the tail, removing Tevin Imlach (14), Johann Layne (0), Jayden Seales (2), and Ojay Shields (0).

Earlier in the day, the West Indies took just three balls to end New Zealand’s first innings, with the hosts adding no runs to their overnight score of 231.