Jacob Duffy made history as New Zealand clinched a dominant 323-run victory over the West Indies in the third Test, wrapping up the series 2-0. Duffy’s performance was nothing short of exceptional as he claimed 5 wickets for 42 runs, helping to bowl out the West Indies for just 138 on the fifth day of the Test. This victory not only gave New Zealand a commanding series win but also saw Duffy surpass a 40-year-old record held by New Zealand legend Richard Hadlee for most wickets in a calendar year.
Duffy ended the year with an impressive 23 wickets at an average of 15.4, including three five-wicket hauls, cementing his place as one of the rising stars of New Zealand cricket.
The third Test at Bay Oval was a treat for cricket fans, with numerous records falling throughout the match. The West Indies were left chasing a daunting target of 462 runs after New Zealand had declared their second innings at 306-2, thanks to superb knocks from Devon Conway and Tom Latham. Jacob Duffy’s incredible bowling performance, combined with strong contributions from the bat, handed New Zealand a well-deserved victory.
Key Highlights from the 3rd Test:
- Jacob Duffy’s Record-Breaking Performance: Duffy’s five-wicket haul in the second innings not only helped New Zealand win the match but also made him the record-holder for most wickets in a calendar year for New Zealand. His 23 wickets in 2025 surpassed Richard Hadlee’s long-standing record of 80 wickets, solidifying his place in the history books.
- Devon Conway and Tom Latham’s Record-Breaking Partnership: Conway and Latham produced a record-breaking performance with the bat. Conway scored a remarkable 227 in the first innings, followed by a century (100) in the second innings. Latham also contributed with scores of 137 and 101, with the pair adding 515 runs in total across the two innings, setting a new record for the most runs by an opening partnership in a single Test.
- West Indies’ Struggles: Despite some fighting performances, including a brave 123 not out by Kavem Hodge, the West Indies struggled against New Zealand’s bowling attack. Duffy was at his best in the second innings, claiming five wickets and helping New Zealand bowl out the West Indies for just 138 runs, ensuring a comfortable win.
- The Importance of Jacob Duffy’s Bowling: Duffy’s bowling was crucial in breaking through the West Indies’ resistance. He consistently troubled the batsmen with his pace and accuracy. His performance in the 3rd Test, along with his contributions across the series, earned him the Player of the Series award.
- New Zealand’s Dominant Series Win: New Zealand’s comprehensive victory in the third Test sealed a 2-0 series win, with the first Test ending in a draw and the second Test seeing a dominant nine-wicket win for New Zealand. Despite missing several key players due to injuries, including Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, and Kyle Jamieson, New Zealand’s depth and resilience were on full display.
New Zealand’s first innings total of 575-8 declared was a massive effort, with Conway and Latham forming a 323-run opening partnership. The West Indies had no answer to Conway’s scintillating 227 and Latham’s 137, both players creating history by becoming the first pair in Test cricket to achieve both a triple-century and a century partnership in the same match. Conway’s feat of scoring a double-century and a century in the same Test match was a first for New Zealand, making him the 10th player overall to achieve this milestone in the longest format of the game.
In reply, the West Indies were bowled out for 420 in their first innings, with Duffy taking 4-86. The West Indies fought valiantly, with Hodge’s 123 not out being the highlight, but they were ultimately overwhelmed by the quality of New Zealand’s bowling attack.
In the second innings, Conway and Latham continued their dominance, with Conway scoring 100 and Latham contributing 101. Their 192-run second innings partnership set the stage for a declaration at 306-2, leaving the West Indies with a target of 462 runs to win.
The West Indies started their chase on day 4 with Brandon King and John Campbell at the crease. However, the deteriorating pitch conditions made it difficult for the West Indies’ batsmen to settle. Jacob Duffy struck early on the fifth day, claiming three wickets in quick succession. He dismissed both openers, King for 67 and Campbell for 16, and helped New Zealand dismiss the West Indies for 138. Duffy’s ferocious deliveries, which reared awkwardly from a length, were too much for the West Indies’ batsmen to handle.
Key Performance Stats:
- Jacob Duffy’s Bowling: 5-42 in the second innings, 18 wickets in total for the series at an average of 15.4.
- Devon Conway’s Batting: 227 and 100 in the same match, becoming the first New Zealander to achieve this feat in a Test match.
- Tom Latham’s Batting: 137 and 101, contributing significantly to New Zealand’s large totals.
- Kavem Hodge’s Fight for West Indies: 123 not out in the first innings, one of the few bright spots for the West Indies.
New Zealand’s Tactical Approach:
While the series saw some criticism of New Zealand’s late declarations on the relatively docile Bay Oval pitch, the team’s approach ultimately paid off. The first three days of the Test were relatively easy for batting, but cracks appeared in the pitch by day four, making it more difficult for the West Indies to survive.
Despite the challenging conditions, New Zealand showed resilience, with key contributions from their batting and bowling units. Jacob Duffy’s stellar bowling, coupled with Conway and Latham’s brilliant partnerships, led New Zealand to a memorable series victory.
FAQs:
1. How many wickets did Jacob Duffy take in the 3rd Test against the West Indies?
Jacob Duffy took 5 wickets for 42 runs in the second innings of the 3rd Test, leading New Zealand to a 323-run victory.
2. What records did Jacob Duffy break during the 3rd Test?
Jacob Duffy surpassed Richard Hadlee’s long-standing record of 80 wickets in a calendar year, finishing with 23 wickets in 2025.
3. How did Devon Conway perform in the 3rd Test?
Devon Conway scored 227 in the first innings and 100 in the second innings, making him the first New Zealand player to score a double century and a century in the same Test.
4. What was the result of the 3rd Test between New Zealand and the West Indies?
New Zealand won the 3rd Test by 323 runs, clinching the series 2-0. The West Indies were bowled out for 138 in their second innings, chasing a target of 462.
5. How did Jacob Duffy’s performance impact the series?
Jacob Duffy’s 23 wickets across the three Tests played a crucial role in New Zealand’s series win, earning him the Player of the Series award.
6. What was the role of Tom Latham in New Zealand’s victory?
Tom Latham contributed with scores of 137 and 101 in the two innings of the 3rd Test, partnering with Conway for a historic opening partnership.