New Zealand completed a commanding victory over West Indies at the Bay Oval, delivering a ruthless all-round performance to wrap up the third Test in emphatic fashion. After piling on massive runs across both innings, the hosts unleashed their bowlers on a wearing fifth-day surface to dismiss the visitors cheaply and underline their dominance from start to finish.
Batting masterclass from Devon Conway and Tom Latham lay the foundation
New Zealand set the tone early in the contest with a monumental first-innings total of 575 for 8 declared. The innings was built on patience, control, and classical Test match batting, with Devon Conway standing tall. The left-hander produced a magnificent double century, dictating terms for long periods and draining the West Indies bowlers of confidence.
He found excellent support from captain Tom Latham, who crafted a composed century of his own. Together, they ensured New Zealand remained firmly in control, forcing the visitors into long, exhausting spells in the field. The rest of the batting unit chipped in with valuable contributions, allowing the Kiwis to declare from a position of absolute strength.
Kavem Hodge’s hundred keeps West Indeis in fight
In reply, West Indies showed commendable fight, led by a superb century from Kavem Hodge. Batting with assurance and intent, he countered New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack and helped his side reach a respectable 420. However, despite that resistance, the visitors were unable to prevent conceding a sizeable first-innings deficit of 155 runs.
New Zealand’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout, ensuring the Windies never truly threatened to match the hosts’ dominance. The lead proved crucial as the match progressed towards its decisive stages.
Conway, Latham sizzle again to give Windies a massive target
With a strong advantage in hand, New Zealand batted with freedom in their second innings, racing to 306 for 2 before declaring. Latham and Conway once again led the charge, this time shifting gears to score brisk centuries that completely took the game away from the West Indies.
Their positive approach stretched the lead rapidly and left the visitors facing an imposing target of 462 runs on a surface beginning to show signs of wear and unpredictability.
Also READ: NZ vs WI: Devon Conway and Tom Latham create Test history with unprecedented twin centuries
Jacob Duffy wreaks havoc as final-day collapse seals the contest
West Indies began the final day with cautious optimism, reaching 87 without loss and briefly entertaining hopes of survival. However, the dismissal of Brandon King (67) proved to be the turning point. A dramatic collapse followed as the visitors slid from 87/0 to 98/5, undoing all the early work in a matter of overs.
Roston Chase soon fell to a sharp delivery from Jacob Duffy, while Shai Hope fought a stubborn rearguard after lunch. His marathon stay ended when he misjudged one from Ajaz Patel and was trapped in front. Tevin Imlach showed grit from one end, but the resistance was short-lived as New Zealand sliced through the tail.
Duffy delivered the final blow by knocking over Jayden Seales to complete a five-wicket haul and bring the match to a decisive close, with West Indies bowled out for just 138, losing the contest by 323 runs. With the win, the hosts clinched the series 2-0.
Here’s how fans reacted:
New Zealand’s bowlers finish the job in Mount Maunganui to claim 12 #WTC27 points and a 2-0 series win 👏#NZvWI 📲 https://t.co/RsAVYUUerk pic.twitter.com/pA62cthcMW
— ICC (@ICC) December 22, 2025
New Zealand dominates again
Win by 323 runs vs West Indies and seal the 3-match series 2-0.
Clinical performance in all departments. 🇳🇿🏏#NZvWI #Ashes2025— Rustom Imran (@Rustomimran2) December 22, 2025
New Zealand win the Test series 2-0 🏆#cricket #NZvsWI #NewZealand #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/VHG6iBUeT7
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 22, 2025
NEW ZEALAND WON BY 323 RUNS!
Another 5-fer for Duffman!NZ won the series 2-0 #NZvsWI pic.twitter.com/t2GRyUorhh
— #BackTheBLACKCAPS 🇳🇿 (@KW_Fans436) December 22, 2025
New Zealand’s bowlers finish the job in Mount Maunganui to claim 12 #WTC27 points and a 2-0 series win 👏#NZvWI #Cricket26 pic.twitter.com/EHxJvq7ndB
— Jayant paraste01 (@JayantParaste01) December 22, 2025
🚨 NEW ZEALAND WIN THE TEST SERIES AGAINST WEST INDIES 🚨
– New Zealand defeat West Indies in the 3rd Test to clinch the series 2–0. 🔥🫡 pic.twitter.com/ZHEthS3LOF
— MD Raju 🇮🇳 (@MDRaju_Live) December 22, 2025
New Zealand win the 3rd Test by 323 runs and take the series 2-0.
🇳🇿 NZ 575/8d & 306/2d
🌴 WI 420 & 138, King 67; Duffy 5-42
Scorecard: https://t.co/0mQxtGdGjt pic.twitter.com/qtAK75mVdF
— WIPA (@wiplayers) December 22, 2025
New Zealand win the third Test to take the series 2-0 🏆
It has been 30 years since West Indies last won a Test in New Zealand!#WindiesCricket | #MeninMaroon | #NZvWI | #Gameyaaad pic.twitter.com/I1VirXfKXW— gameyaaad (@gameyaaad) December 22, 2025
New Zealand’s bowlers finish the job in Mount Maunganui to claim 12 #WTC27 points and a 2-0 series win 👏#NZvWI 📲 https://t.co/7j6FbpJwF0… pic.twitter.com/edqsMIxnle
— R. BARWAL (@r_barwal_) December 22, 2025
🚨 DOMINANT NEW ZEALAND 🚨
🇳🇿 NZ thrashed WI in the Test series:⁰✔️ 2nd Test — won by 9 wickets⁰✔️ 3rd Test — won by 323 runs
A clean 2–0 series win for the Black Caps! 💪🔥#NZvWI #NewZealandCricket #BlackCaps #TestCricket #SeriesWin #CricketTwitter #CricketFans pic.twitter.com/5Zm9izwF4Q— Sarvesh Pawar (@sarvesh_pawar23) December 22, 2025
Also READ: Top 5 highest opening partnerships for New Zealand in Tests ft. Devon Conway & Tom Latham
