New Zealand produced a commanding performance at Bay Oval to defeat West Indies by 323 runs in the third Test, completing a 2-0 series victory. The result gave the hosts their first success in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle and highlighted their dominance at home.
The match began with New Zealand piling up a huge first-innings score of 575/8 declared. Devon Conway was the star of the show with a brilliant 227, while Tom Latham added 137 to ensure the team built a strong foundation. Their batting display left West Indies under pressure from the start. In the second innings, New Zealand continued to control the game, declaring at 306/2 and setting a massive target of 462 runs.
West Indies showed resilience in their first innings, reaching 420. Jason Holder played a fine knock, remaining unbeaten on 123 and guiding his side to a respectable total. However, the visitors failed to carry that momentum into their second innings. Chasing a daunting target, they collapsed dramatically, losing eight wickets for just 25 runs and surrendering the match.
New Zealand’s bowlers were relentless. Duffy led the attack with figures of 4-86 in the first innings and 4-42 in the second. His consistency throughout the series earned him 23 wickets, the most by any New Zealand seamer at home in a single series. Ajaz Patel also contributed with 3-23 in the final innings, ensuring the visitors had no chance of recovery.
The victory capped a remarkable year for Duffy, who finished 2025 with 81 international wickets across formats. His performances have established him as one of New Zealand’s most dependable bowlers, capable of delivering breakthroughs at crucial moments.
For New Zealand, the emphatic win provided a strong start to their World Test Championship campaign and reinforced their reputation as a formidable side on home soil. For West Indies, the heavy defeat was a reminder of the challenges they face in building consistency and resilience at the highest level.
New Zealand’s triumph was built on Conway’s double century, Latham’s steady batting, and Duffy’s record-breaking bowling. The 323-run margin reflected complete dominance and set the tone for their campaign in the years ahead.
