A complete post-match analysis of the NZ vs WI 1st test Day 2 collapse. Jacob Duffy’s incredible 5-wicket haul dismantled the West Indies for 167. Read the turning points, player performances, and WTC implications.
The Hagley Oval Test is suddenly bubbling! If Day 1 felt like a tactical masterclass for the West Indies pace pack, Day 2 was a dramatic, dizzying comeback for the home side. The narrative of the NZ vs WI 1st test Day 2 wasn’t just about securing a lead; it was about New Zealand’s bowlers—the often-unheralded Jacob Duffy chief among them—refusing to be dominated, orchestrating a complete reversal of fortunes that has left the West Indies reeling.
After slumping to a weak total of 231 early this morning, New Zealand’s bowlers didn’t just defend that score—they weaponized it. They blew through the West Indies lineup for a measly 167, securing a vital 64-run lead. By the close of play, the Black Caps were cruising at 32/0, sitting on an almost psychological lead of 96 runs. This Test has gone from a knife-edge battle to a New Zealand-controlled procession.
Match Summary: The Duffy Dazzle
The day started quietly, with the New Zealand tail lasting just three balls before being dismissed for 231. But that quiet start gave way to a storm:
- Early Jitters: The West Indies top order immediately felt the pressure, losing both openers quickly to Zakary Foulkes and Matt Henry, falling to 10/2.
- The Calm Before the Storm: Shai Hope (56) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (52) provided a rock-solid, 90-run recovery partnership that made New Zealand anxious. It felt like the Windies were grinding their way toward a Day 1-style advantage.
- The Tipping Point: Then came the collapse. Starting with Jacob Duffy drawing the edge from Hope, followed by Matt Henry’s masterful double-wicket maiden, the West Indies lost three wickets for six runs.
- The Final Act: Duffy, after a brief rain break, tore through the lower order, securing his maiden Test five-wicket haul. West Indies were dismissed for 167.
- Final Statement: New Zealand’s openers, Tom Latham and Devon Conway, then batted out the final session with assurance, pushing the total lead to 96 runs by stumps.
| Innings | Score (Overs) | Result/Status |
| New Zealand (1st) | 231 all out (70.3) | |
| West Indies (1st) | 167 all out (75.4) | NZ lead by 64 runs. |
| New Zealand (2nd) | 32/0 (7.0) | NZ lead by 96 runs. |
Turning Points: How New Zealand Seized Control on NZ vs WI 1st Test Day 2
Day 2 wasn’t won over nine hours; it was decided in two explosive 45-minute spells.
1. Hope and Chanderpaul: The Grinding Resistance
The most significant moment was arguably when this 90-run partnership made it to 100/2. Why? Because it proved that the pitch wasn’t a minefield; it demanded application. Had they pushed past 150, the pressure would have been squarely back on New Zealand. Their successful resistance made the subsequent collapse look even more jarring.
2. Jacob Duffy’s Moment of Magic
The real turning point was Duffy’s dismissal of Shai Hope (56). Hope, playing so well, was the last man capable of marshalling the middle order. Duffy, with a ball that held its line just enough, found the edge. This single wicket was the key that unlocked the floodgates.
3. Henry’s Vicious Double-Strike
Moments later, Matt Henry, the ever-reliable workhorse, delivered the knockout punch. Getting captain Roston Chase and the solid Justin Greaves out for ducks in the same over was a statement. It transformed a competitive situation (100/2) into a dire emergency (106/5) that the West Indies simply couldn’t recover from. It was ruthless, disciplined, and utterly brilliant seam bowling.
Player Performance Spotlight
Jacob Duffy: The Day He Owned Hagley Oval (5/34)
Jacob Duffy was magnificent. After New Zealand’s famous quicks couldn’t deliver the Day 1 heroics, Duffy, in only his second Test, stepped up and delivered a phenomenal spell of classical, unyielding seam bowling. He didn’t rely on raw pace; he relied on persistent, probing length. His ability to come back after the rain break and tear through the final wickets with such precision was the mark of a truly high-class performance. He didn’t just take five wickets; he won the momentum for his side.
Shai Hope & Tagenarine Chanderpaul: A Glimmer of Grit
While they were ultimately on the losing side of the first innings, their fifties were Test-match worthy. They showed the template for success on this pitch: patience and leaving the ball. They fought for over 3 hours, a monumental effort that unfortunately wasn’t replicated by their teammates.
WTC Implications: A Swing to the Favourites
This performance is massive for New Zealand’s World Test Championship (WTC) hopes. A quick victory here, which is now heavily favored, will give them a perfect start to their cycle, maximizing their Points Percentage at home—which is always crucial for qualification.
For the West Indies, this collapse is demoralizing. After dominating Day 1, they failed to capitalize with the bat. They need their batsmen to show the same fighting spirit their bowlers did. Conceding a near-100 run lead and facing a full day of New Zealand batting tomorrow means the odds are stacked against them heavily.
Fan Voices: Shock, Delight, and Respect
The overriding sentiment from the cricketing world is one of sheer surprise at how quickly the pendulum swung.
That was the most complete bowling performance I’ve seen from New Zealand in a long time. Duffy was relentless. He took the initiative back for the Black Caps when they needed it most. That’s what championship teams do.
Gutting for the Windies. They worked so hard on Day 1, and the batters just tossed it away in an hour. Chanderpaul and Hope deserved more support. Day 3 needs a miracle from the West Indies attack.
The prevailing feeling is that the Test has moved decisively into New Zealand’s favour. Day 3 will be all about setting an insurmountable target.
Tournament Streaming Guide (Don’t Miss Day 3!)
You won’t want to miss the moving day of this Test. Here is where you can catch the action globally:
| Region | Broadcaster/Platform |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ |
| India | Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV, FanCode |
| Australia | Fox Sports, Kayo Sports |
| United Kingdom (UK) | TNT Sports |
| United States (USA) | ESPN+ |
| Pakistan | Tapmad |
New Zealand is now in the driver’s seat. Given the forecast for possible showers on Day 3, the key question will be: How aggressive will New Zealand be in the morning session, and what will they set as their winning target?
Don’t have a streaming device yet? Here are the best options for watching cricket:
Google TV Streamer 4K (Google Chromecast)
NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro Streaming Media Player
Read also: NZ vs WI 1st test Day 1
