Jacob Duffy’s impressive five-wicket haul has propelled New Zealand into a commanding position against West Indies in their first Test match held in Christchurch. New Zealand finished the second day with a lead of 96 runs as they reached 32 runs without losing a wicket in their second innings, following a first innings total of 231.
Duffy’s Five-Wicket Haul Dominates the Match
During the West Indies’ first innings, they were all out for 167 runs. Duffy’s outstanding bowling performance saw him claim 5 wickets for just 34 runs. He received valuable support from fellow pacer Matt Henry, who took 3 wickets for 43 runs. Despite New Zealand’s struggles in the field, where they dropped four catches and conceded 28 extras, they managed to restrict the visitors effectively.
Key Performers for West Indies
Shai Hope and Tagenarine Chanderpaul were the standout batsmen for the West Indies. Both players scored half-centuries, with Hope making 56 runs and Chanderpaul contributing 52. However, they were ultimately let down by their teammates, as only two other players crossed the double-digit mark.
- Shai Hope: 56 runs
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul: 52 runs
The West Indies began the day needing just three balls to dismiss the last New Zealand batsman, Zak Foulkes. However, they quickly lost their opener John Campbell, which set the tone for a shaky innings.
New Zealand’s Second Innings
After dismissing West Indies for 167, New Zealand returned to bat and ended the day on 32 without loss. Devon Conway scored 15 runs, while Tom Latham contributed 14 runs. They aim to build a substantial lead as they progress on day three of the Test.
Notable Issues for West Indies
The match has seen West Indies grappling with inconsistent performance. Their batting struggles were compounded by two dropped catches of Chanderpaul, which could have changed the match dynamics. Hope’s performance was particularly notable, as he batted in sunglasses due to an eye infection.
As the match unfolds, New Zealand looks to extend their advantage, aiming for a strong position leading into the latter stages of the first Test. Duffy’s five-wicket haul has undoubtedly set the tone for New Zealand’s dominance so far.
