Jacob Duffy’s 4-35 helps New Zealand crush West Indies by eight wickets to win T20 series 3-1, with Devon Conway’s unbeaten 47 sealing victory
DUNEDIN: Jacob Duffy claimed 4-35 as New Zealand romped to an eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the fifth T20 international, sealing a 3-1 series win.
The seamer removed three batsmen with the new ball as West Indies collapsed to 21-4 at University Oval before recovering from 48-5 to be dismissed for 140 in 18.4 overs.
New Zealand made short work of the chase, coasting to 141-2 from just 15.4 overs with opener Devon Conway top-scoring with an unbeaten 47.
West Indies’ aggressive batting approach in their attempt to level the series proved too haphazard in seamer-friendly conditions after several close matches earlier in the series.
Roston Chase top-scored for the visitors with 38 while Romario Shepherd struck a lively 36 off 22 balls in the lower order.
Duffy was named player of the series after taking 10 wickets at an average of 12.10 throughout the five matches.
“We just wanted to be clinical, finish off the series and take it home,” said the 31-year-old, who became the first New Zealander to take five four-wicket hauls in T20 internationals.
New Zealand raced to 69 off 7.1 overs before Tim Robinson departed for a hard-hit 45, having smashed five fours and three sixes.
The result was virtually assured before Rachin Ravindra was next out for 21, leaving New Zealand at 106-2 after 11.5 overs and needing just 35 for victory.
Mark Chapman joined Conway and hit two sixes to finish unbeaten on 21.
West Indies captain Shai Hope said his team struggled to adjust to the conditions but made no excuse for their aggressive approach.
“It was something we spoke about, wanting to put good bowling under pressure and not allowing them to settle too much,” Hope said.
The teams will meet again for three one-day internationals starting in Christchurch on Sunday, followed by three Tests in December. – AFP
