New Zealand took a record win over the West Indies. Certainly three-time national champion Jacob Duffy’s individual brilliance was no small factor in that success. The game, which took place at Wellington Regional Stadium, ended with New Zealand defeating India by nine wickets. Duffy went on to make his Test debut against Zimbabwe in August. He used that juju to take 5/38 in the second innings.
Duffy produced a stunning individual bowling display, claiming his second five-for of the series. This breakthrough move deepens his already secure caché as a New Zealand linchpin. In only his third Test match Duffy produced the match-winning performance. His hot hand carried the team to an easy blowout, emphasizing just how unstoppable they were at home.
Tom Latham, New Zealand captain and Man of the Match, was particularly impressed at how his team went about their business in the final. So, therefore, obviously needed a little bit of time to find our feet on day one.
“We took a little bit to get into the game, on the morning of day one with potentially some heavy legs,” – Tom Latham.
Like Doug, Latham was really positive about how the team adapted its plans. He pointed to Duffy’s remarkable five-wicket haul as the match’s turning point.
“But we adjusted things and we bowled better in the second innings, and Duffy on the back of that five-wicket haul and some of our substitutes coming on and getting on the board was pleasing.” – Tom Latham.
The West Indies were abominable in all departments for the entire match, especially with the batting coming under severe criticism. After the collapse, one of the questions to the West Indies’ star allrounder Roston Chase was about whether the batting strategy needed to change. He admitted that there was an expectation of high things given their first meeting in Christchurch.
“Batting is a bit of a concern, after coming from the first Test and that beautiful second innings in Christchurch,” – Roston Chase.
In an interview, Chase explained their difficulties in greater depth. He was anticipating a torrid time like he received in Christchurch, but found himself in front of a much more welcoming pitch to batsmen.
“But we came here and our batters never really capitalised. Initially we thought the pitch would be similar to Christchurch, but this pitch was a lot easier for batting.” – Roston Chase.
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