Tailenders' partnership key to NZ win

New Zealand have inflicted a big defeat in the second cricket Test against New Zealand in Hamilton, beating them by 240 runs.

The key to New Zealand's big win over the West Indies in Hamilton wasn't big scores by the batsmen or hauls of wickets by the bowlers, but tailenders teaming up for a frustrating 10th wicket partnership early in the game.

The hosts coasted to a 240-run victory on Tuesday afternoon at Seddon Park - their second win over the Windies inside four days in two Tests.

Spinner Mitchell Santner picked up the final two wickets of Miguel Cummins (nine) and Kemar Roach (32) in two balls in an extended post-lunch session on Tuesday to dismiss them for 203.

They had been chasing 444 for victory but were never in the hunt thanks to tight bowling.

It is the second-heaviest defeat New Zealand ever inflicted on a side chasing in the fourth innings, after the 254-run win over Zimbabwe in Bulawayo last year.

Neil Wagner was the best of the bowlers with 3-42. Tim Southee returned 2-71, Trent Boult 2-52 and Mitchell Santner, with his late brace, 2-13.

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor was named man of the match for his 107 not out in the second innings.

The West Indies started the day at 30-2 but lost wickets regularly and Sunil Ambris (five) was forced to retire hurt after a Wagner delivery fractured a bone in his left forearm.

Their top scorer was Roston Chase with 64 and there were handy lower-order contributions from Raymon Reifer (29) and Roach.

Both captains identified New Zealand's 10th wicket stand in the first innings as where they got the upper hand. It came on the morning of the second day when the New Zealanders had started at 286-7

Southee (31) and Boult (37no) put on 61 runs to take the total from just over 300 to 373.

"I thought that was a crucial part," Windies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite said.

"Obviously we still didn't come good with the bat, as we should, but obviously that was a good last-wicket partnership. I know they took that momentum into the field."

Black Caps captain Kane Williamson said lower order runs were so valuable.

"As a fielding unit when you see they're nine down you are certainly not banking on them putting on 50 that's for sure. You're getting ready to bat.

"Our lower order has contributed nicely in this series. When they get an opportunity (they want to) get their head down and contribute as much as they can to the team. That was a big partnership for us.''

The West Indies were dismissed in their first innings for 221 and the Kiwis' second innings of 291-8 declared set the Windies the 444 target, which would have been a world record if they achieved it.

New Zealand won the first match of the two-Test series by an innings and 67 runs in Wellington.


Share
3 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world
Tailenders' partnership key to NZ win | SBS News