New Zealand delivered a commanding performance to thrash the West Indies by a whopping 323 runs in the third and final Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Sunday. The emphatic victory sealed a 2-0 series triumph for the Black Caps, showcasing their dominance in the longest format of the game.
Wellington Test Ends in Early Finish
The match, which was expected to go the distance, concluded well inside the fourth day's play. Resuming their second innings from an overnight score of 27 for one, the West Indies batting lineup crumbled under sustained pressure from the New Zealand bowlers. They were bundled out for a paltry 138 runs in their second innings, falling far short of the daunting target of 462 set by the hosts.
The collapse was swift and decisive. Only three West Indies batsmen managed to reach double figures, with wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva top-scoring with a fighting 34. The visitors lost their last nine wickets for just 111 runs, highlighting the gulf in class and application between the two sides in this decisive encounter.
New Zealand's Bowling Attack Shines
The hero for New Zealand was undoubtedly left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who exploited the turning track to perfection. Santner registered his best-ever Test bowling figures, claiming a magnificent four wickets for 26 runs in the second innings. His spell was instrumental in dismantling the West Indies' middle and lower order.
He received excellent support from the pace duo of Tim Southee and Matt Henry, who provided the early breakthroughs. Southee finished with two wickets, while Henry and part-timer Glenn Phillips chipped in with one wicket each. The collective effort meant the West Indies never found any footing in their mammoth chase.
Solid Foundation Laid by Batting
The victory was built on the foundation of a strong first-innings total. After winning the toss and opting to bat, New Zealand posted a competitive 281 runs on the board. In reply, the West Indies were skittled out for just 138, conceding a significant first-innings lead of 143 runs.
New Zealand then batted aggressively in their second innings, declaring at 318 for seven. The declaration was built around a brilliant century from Tom Latham (83) and a quickfire 73 from Glenn Phillips. This set up the match, giving their bowlers ample time and runs to play with. The West Indies bowlers, particularly Alzarri Joseph and Gudakesh Motie, toiled hard but could not prevent the hosts from taking complete control of the game.
With this win, New Zealand clinched the series 2-0, having won the second Test in Hamilton by an innings and 134 runs. The first Test in Wellington ended in a draw due to persistent rain. This series victory provides a significant boost to New Zealand's standing in the World Test Championship cycle and underscores their strength in home conditions.
