Wellington, December 12, 2025 – New Zealand secured a commanding 9-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second Test at Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington, wrapping up the match in just three days. With this win, the Kiwis take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the final Test scheduled to begin on December 18th at 3:30 AM IST (10 PM GMT, previous day).
The West Indies struggled on Day 3, losing key wickets of Brandon King and Shai Hope in quick succession, leaving them at 58/4 and trailing by 14 runs. Despite efforts from King, Kavem Hodge, and Justin Greaves, the visitors managed only 56 runs in the second innings. New Zealand’s bowler Jacob Duffy starred with a five-wicket haul, playing a crucial role in restricting the West Indies.
Chasing a small target, New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway made a steady start. After Latham’s departure, captain Kane Williamson joined Conway to complete the chase comfortably, sealing a convincing 9-wicket victory.
New Zealand captain Tom Latham praised his team’s resilience, highlighting improvements after a slow start on Day 1. He particularly lauded Jacob Duffy’s bowling, Mitchell Hay’s solid batting on debut, and Michael Rae’s impressive performance in challenging conditions. Latham also expressed disappointment over Blair Tickner’s injury but appreciated the collective effort of the team.
West Indies captain Roston Chase acknowledged his team’s struggles with batting, noting they failed to capitalize on good starts. Despite the setback, he remains optimistic about motivating his team for the final Test to level the series.
Duffy, named Player of the Match, credited the victory to the team’s strong bowling effort and praised fellow bowlers, including Michael Rae.
Earlier in the match, New Zealand dominated from the start, restricting the Windies to 205 all out in the first innings, with contributions from Blair Tickner and debutant Michael Rae. Devon Conway’s 60 and Mitchell Hay’s 61 in the first innings helped consolidate the lead, ensuring New Zealand remained in full control throughout the game.
This victory reinforces New Zealand’s strong position in the series and sets the stage for an exciting finale in the third and final Test.