NZ vs WI 3rd Test Match Report: New Zealand capped off a dominant Test match with a clinical all-round performance, comprehensively outplaying West Indies in all departments to seal a resounding victory. From marathon batting efforts to incisive bowling on a wearing surface, the hosts were a step ahead throughout the contest.
New Zealand's bowlers finish the job in Mount Maunganui to claim 12 #WTC27 points and a 2-0 series win 👏#NZvWI 📲 https://t.co/RsAVYUUerk pic.twitter.com/pA62cthcMW
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West Indies collapsed in chase
Chasing survival on the final day, West Indies began with promise. The openers looked solid and confident, cruising to 87 without loss and briefly raising hopes of a fightback. However, the dismissal of King proved to be the turning point. What followed was a dramatic collapse as the visitors slid from 87/0 to 98/5, completely surrendering the initiative. Jacob Duffy then struck again, removing Roston Chase, and New Zealand tightened the noose.
There was some resistance in the post-lunch session, led by Shai Hope, who dug in for a patient innings in what was turning into a batting marathon. But Hope’s long vigil ended when he shouldered arms to Ajaz Patel and was trapped plumb in front, a decision that summed up West Indies’ struggles against the turning ball. Joshua Imlach showed grit from one end, but once the lower order was exposed, the end came swiftly. Duffy ran through the tail, knocking over Jayden Seales to complete a well-earned five-wicket haul and bring the match to an emphatic close.
The foundation for New Zealand’s dominance was laid earlier in the game with a mammoth first-innings total of 575. Devon Conway was the standout, producing a sublime double century, while Tom Latham complemented him with a polished hundred. West Indies responded admirably through a terrific century from Kavem Hodge, but despite the fight, they still conceded a significant 155-run lead.
Sensing an opportunity to shut the door, New Zealand batted with freedom and authority in their second innings. Latham and Conway once again set the tone, racking up brisk centuries that completely took the game away from the visitors. With runs on the board and time on their side, the Kiwis declared for the second time in the match, setting West Indies an imposing target of 462.
By day five, the pitch had deteriorated noticeably, offering variable bounce and movement that tested technique and temperament. West Indies struggled to cope, while New Zealand’s bowlers exploited the conditions expertly. The fact that the hosts declared twice in the match underlined just how dominant they were with the bat and how confident they were in their bowling attack.
Jacob Duffy named ‘Player of the Series’
Duffy reflected on a memorable campaign, calling it a ‘cool year’ and one of the most rewarding phases of his career. His consistency and match-winning spells proved decisive across the series. Devon Conway, adjudged Player of the Match, admitted the magnitude of his performance hadn’t quite sunk in yet. Grateful for batting during the best phases of the conditions, Conway once again highlighted his simple, positive mindset as the key to his success.
In the end, it was a Test match that showcased New Zealand at their ruthless best, disciplined, dominant, and unrelenting, while West Indies were left to rue missed opportunities and a collapse that ultimately sealed their fate.
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