New Zealand inflict a crushing win on West Indies at Wellington
New Zealand hammered West Indies to take 1-0 in two-match test series.
Neil Wagner produced a stunning spell of fast-bowling as New Zealand outclassed West Indies in the first Test of two-match series by an innings and 67 runs in Wellington on Monday.After winning the toss and opting to ball first in favourable conditions, Jason Holder-led Windies made a solid start with 59-run opening partnership between Kraigg Brathwaite and Kieran Powell.
But from then on, it was Wagner’s show as he destroyed Caribbean giants with his career-best figures of 7-39.West Indies lost their 10 wickets for just 75 runs and were eventually bowled out for 134 inside the first two sessions of the match, with Powell top scoring 42 off 79.
In reply, New Zealand declared their first innings after scoring 520 for the loss of nine wickets, courtesy maiden Test centuries from all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme (105 off 74 with the help of 11 fours and three and sixes), and debutante Tom Blundell (107 off 180 with the help of 13 boundaries and a solitary six). Veteran middle-order batsman Ross Taylor also made valuable contribution of 93 off 160, which included 10 boundaries.
For the visitors, pacer Kemar Roach was the pick of the bowlers as he claimed three, whereas fast-bowler Miguel Cummins and off-spinner Roston Chase claimed two wickets each.Needing to score 387 to avoid an embarrassing innings defeat, West Indies once again had a solid beginning, and at one stage were in comfortable position to avoid the evitable.
However, New Zealand opted for new ball after the 80th over mark triggered another collapse as West Indies lost their last seven wickets for just 77 runs and were eventually bowled out for 319.This time, it was Brathwaite who finished with the top score of 91 off 221 balls with the help of eight fours and one six.
For New Zealand, pacer Matt Henry claimed three, whereas Trent Boult, Wagner and de Grandhomme claimed two wickets each.For his outstanding bowling performance in the first innings, Wagner was awarded man of the match.
