DUNEDIN:
Jacob Duffy delivered a sensational bowling performance, claiming 4 wickets for just 35 runs, as New Zealand crushed the West Indies by eight wickets in the fifth T20I on Thursday, sealing a 3-1 series victory at University Oval.
The Kiwi pacer wreaked havoc early, dismissing three West Indian batters with the new ball and leaving them reeling at 21-4. Despite a brief lower-order recovery, the Caribbean side could only muster 140 all out in 18.4 overs.
In response, New Zealand chased down the target with ease, reaching 141-2 in just 15.4 overs. Devon Conway anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47 runs, smashing four boundaries and a six, while Mark Chapman added a quickfire 21 not out.
Earlier, Tim Robinson’s explosive 45 off 25 balls powered the Kiwis to a strong start. Even though Rachin Ravindra fell for 21, the victory was never in doubt.
For the West Indies, Roston Chase scored 38 and Romario Shepherd contributed 36 off 22 balls, but their efforts were not enough to counter Duffy’s precision bowling.
Jacob Duffy, who bagged 10 wickets in the series at an average of 12.10, was named Player of the Series, becoming the first New Zealander to record five four-wicket hauls in T20Is.
“We just wanted to finish strong and be clinical,” said Duffy. “The pitch had something for us, and it was satisfying to restrict a quality side like the West Indies.”
West Indies captain Shai Hope admitted his team struggled with the conditions.
“We tried to be positive and put their bowlers under pressure, but it didn’t work out this time,” Hope said.
The action now shifts to Christchurch, where both teams will face off in a three-match ODI series starting Sunday, followed by three Test matches in December.
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