NZ vs WI 3rd Test: Duffy’s five-for triggers West Indies collapse as New Zealand seal 323-run win at Mount Maunganui

New Zealand completed a dominant Test match with a strong all-round performance, outplaying West Indies in every department to secure a big win. The hosts stayed in control throughout the match, from long batting efforts to sharp bowling on a tiring pitch.

Fast bowler Jacob Duffy led the attack with an excellent 5/42. He finished the series as the standout player and showed New Zealand’s depth despite a weakened pace attack.

Duffy’s five-wicket haul helped him break Sir Richard Hadlee’s New Zealand record of 80 wickets in a calendar year. It was a major achievement in a season where he carried a heavy workload.

The right-arm seamer ended the series with 23 wickets at an average of 15.4. He took three five-wicket hauls and bowled more than 154 overs across the three Tests as New Zealand’s main fast bowler.

“I saw that list at lunchtime, and there were some great names on it. To be on any list with those names was special,” said Duffy, who was later named Player of the Series.

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West Indies Collapses in the Chase

Chasing survival on the final day, the West Indies started well. The openers looked confident and moved to 87 without losing a wicket. For a short time, it seemed they could fight back.

However, the dismissal of Brandon King changed the match. West Indies quickly fell from 87/0 to 98/5 and lost control. Jacob Duffy struck again by dismissing Roston Chase, and New Zealand tightened the pressure.

After lunch, Shai Hope tried to resist. He played patiently on a difficult pitch and stayed at the crease for a long time. But his effort ended when Ajaz Patel trapped him lbw. Joshua Imlach showed some fight, but once the lower-order batters came in, the end came quickly. Duffy finished the innings by dismissing Jayden Seales to complete a deserved five-wicket haul and seal the win.

New Zealand’s Complete Dominance

New Zealand had taken control of the match earlier with a huge first-innings total of 575. Devon Conway led the way with a brilliant double century, while Tom Latham supported him with a fine hundred. West Indies replied with a strong century from Kavem Hodge but still fell 155 runs behind.

In the second innings, New Zealand batted freely and with confidence. Latham and Conway once again gave a strong start and scored quick centuries. With enough runs and time, New Zealand declared again and set West Indies a tough target of 462.

By Day 5, the pitch had become difficult, with uneven bounce and movement. West Indies struggled to handle the conditions, while New Zealand’s bowlers used them well. Declaring twice in the match showed how strong New Zealand were with both bat and ball.

Jacob Duffy was named Player of the Series after a memorable campaign. He called it a special year and one of the best periods of his career. Devon Conway, named Player of the Match, said the achievement had not fully sunk in yet. He thanked the good batting conditions and said his simple and positive approach helped him succeed.

In the end, New Zealand played with discipline and confidence throughout the series. West Indies fought at times but were hurt by key mistakes and a final-day collapse that decided the match.

Short Scores

New Zealand: 575/8 d. and 306/2 d.
West Indies: 138 in 80.3 overs (King 67, Campbell 16; Duffy 5/42, Patel 3/23).

Result: New Zealand won by 323 runs.
Series: New Zealand won the 3-match series 2–0.
Player of the Match: Devon Conway
Player of the Series: Jacob Duffy