Windies suffer 240 run defeat; New Zealand Claims Series Sweep

Published: Tuesday 12th December, 2017

By: T. J. C

SKN PULSE – New Zealand dominated the West Indies on day four as the visitors only lasted just over two sessions. The Windies were bowled out for 203 by the Kiwis on day four at Seddon Park.

Home team, New Zealand claimed a series sweep over the West Indies after easing to a 240-run win in the second and final Test on Tuesday. Back to back wickets by Mitchell Santner (2-13) closed out the Test in Hamilton with the West Indies team falling well short of the 444 runs set for victory.

Neil Wagner finished with figures of 3-42, while Trent Boult (2-52) – who became the second fastest New Zealand bowler to reach 200 Test wickets – and Tim Southee (2-71) made significant contributions.

The Windies, who were crushed by an innings and 67 runs in the series opener in Wellington returned to the crease at 30-2 on the penultimate day, after New Zealand declared on 291-8 late on Monday – a mammoth lead of 443 – thanks to Ross Taylor’s record-equalling 17th Test century.

It was a matter of when and not if for New Zealand, who claimed the prized scalp of opener and stand-in captain Kraigg Brathwaite for 20 early on Tuesday.

A superb bowling spell from Wagner had the West Indies team in a spot of bother as he produced bouncer after  bouncer. 

Picking up the prized wicket of Shai Hope (21), Wagner than struck Sunil Ambris (5) on the wrist. Even though he remained on the field for a little while after being struck, he later retired hurt and sought medical assistance at the hospital. Ambris was later diagnosed with a a broken arm. 

At 80-4, Shane Dowrich (0) followed his team-mate off the ground two balls later when he played a Wagner delivery to Henry Nicholls at short-leg.

A timely partnership from Roston Chase (64) and Raymon Reifer (29) managed to steady the ship, putting on 78 runs before the former became Wagner’s third victim of the day after lunch.

Reifer was the next to depart five overs later, spelling the end for West Indies as Santner cleaned up Kemar Roach (32) and Miguel Cummins (9).