How did the second Test go between New Zealand vs West Indies? — Review, Turning Points & more
The second Test in Wellington was a three-day affair dominated by New Zealand, who sealed a clinical nine-wicket win to go 1-0 up in the series. After opting to field first, New Zealand’s bowlers restricted West Indies to 205 despite a good start from the visitors. Blair Tickner was the pick of the bowlers with a four-for, while Rae and Duffy supported brilliantly. In reply, hosts managed 278/9 declared, thanks to half-centuries from Devon Conway and Mitchell Hay, giving the team a 73-run lead.
On day two West Indies witnessed a collapse in their second innings. After resuming at 32/2, they tried to stabilize the innings before Brandon King’s run-out triggered a dramatic fall. Jacob Duffy ran through the middle and lower order to end with 5/38, while Rae added another three wickets. The visitors folded for just 128 in 46.2 overs, handing New Zealand a target of 56. Conway hit an unbeaten 28 off 22 balls, and Kane Williamson finished things off as New Zealand cruised to 57/1 in 10 overs.
Top batting performance — Devon Conway
Devon Conway was New Zealand’s most controlled batter across both innings, setting up the first-innings lead and later finishing the game. His 60 off 108 balls in the first innings, lacing his knock with eight, ensured New Zealand never lost momentum despite regular wickets. His half-century anchored the innings and allowed Mitchell Hay and the lower order to build a strong score. Conway then returned in the chase with an unbeaten 28 off 22 balls, finishing the match and giving the team a lead in the three-match series.
Top bowling performance — Jacob Duffy
Right-arm pacer Jacob Duffy produced the standout performance of the Test, claiming 1/33 in the first innings before making a match-winning 5/38 in the second. With the hosts being a bowler short due to Tickner’s injury, Duffy took responsibility. His wickets included breakthroughs of Greaves lbw on review, Imlach edging to slip, and Shields mistiming under pressure. Duffy dismantled the West Indies batting order and ensured the chase was straightforward. His second consecutive five-for played a big role in the host’s win.
His second five-wicket-haul in two Tests, congratulations Jacob Duffy 🖐/38#NZvWIN pic.twitter.com/CIF350Yt9d
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 12, 2025
Who was the Player of the Match?
Jacob Duffy was rightly named Player of the Match for his performance with the ball. Across both innings, his combined figures of 6/71 put New Zealand on the winning side. In the first innings, he built pressure that helped others strike, but in the second, he took full responsibility for his own performance. His five-wicket haul ended West Indies’ hopes of salvaging the Test, and his breakthroughs turned the contest into a one-sided affair.
With six wickets for the match including his second five-wicket-bag in the third innings, your @ANZAotearoa Player of the Match just had to be the proud Southlander, Jacob Duffy 🤍🖤#NZvWIN pic.twitter.com/yfMMzjBq28
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 12, 2025
What is the next match?
The series now moves to the third Test, where West Indies will look to bounce back and level the series, while New Zealand will look to extend their lead and seal the series. The third Test is set to be played at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, starting on Thursday, 18 December.
India
