Jacob Duffy starred with the ball as New Zealand sealed a convincing eight-wicket win over West Indies in chilly Dunedin, clinching the T20I series 3-1. On a brisk summer’s day that perfectly suited seamers, Duffy took full advantage of the grassy surface and swinging conditions, claiming 4 for 35 and becoming the third-fastest New Zealand bowler to reach 50 T20I wickets — behind only Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson.
Put in to bat, West Indies collapsed early, losing four wickets within 11 balls in the powerplay. Duffy’s fiery third over dismantled their top order, removing Shai Hope, Ackeem Auguste, and Sherfane Rutherford in quick succession. Despite brief resistance from Roston Chase and Jason Holder, who added 42 runs, the visitors were eventually bundled out for 140. Duffy’s impressive strike rate of 13.8 now ranks as the best among all Black Caps bowlers with at least 20 T20I wickets.
Chasing 141, New Zealand’s openers made light work of the modest target. Tim Robinson, channeling shades of Brendon McCullum with his aggressive strokeplay, smashed 45 off 24 balls, including five fours and three sixes. Devon Conway played the anchor role with an unbeaten 47, reaching 1000 T20I runs at home and guiding the hosts to victory with 26 balls remaining.
For the West Indies, Chase and Romario Shepherd’s brief cameos were the only positives in another disappointing batting display. On a day when Dunedin’s conditions favored the bowlers, New Zealand’s discipline and Duffy’s precision proved decisive. The win capped a dominant home series performance, reaffirming New Zealand’s strength in their own backyard.
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