Hamilton: New Zealand bowlers steadily swept aside West Indies’ batting line-up to post a crushing 240-run win over West Indies on the fourth day of second Test to wrap up the two-match series 2-0 at the Seddon Park in Hamilton.
Resuming at yesterday’s score of 30-2, the Caribbean side failed to establish a solid partnership throughout the day and were folded for 203 for nine with Sunil Ambris unable to continue batting after getting his left forearm injured.
Roston Chase was the highest scorer for West Indies with a decent score of 64.
Neil Wagner, who tormented the West Indies throughout the series with his aggressive short balls, finished with the figures of three for 42 in their second innings.
The new-ball pair of Tim Southee and Trent Boult claimed two wickets each, while Mitchell Santner also took wickets on successive balls in West Indies’ world record chase of 444 runs.
With the win, New Zealand have improved their home record to 13 wins.
Earlier, the Black Caps declared their second innings at 291-8, thus leaving the West Indies with a monumental target to achieve.
Ross Taylor equaled the record for the most hundreds by a New Zealand batsman as he smashed an unbeaten knock of 107, including 11 boundaries, to join his mentor, the late Martin Crowe, and current captain Kane Williamson with 17 Test tons.
He was on 96 when he drove Raymon Reifer to the boundary to reach the landmark ton in New Zealand’s second innings.
He, however, took 83 Tests to get to his 17th century in contrast to Crowe’s 77 and Williamson’s 61.
Kane Williamson also contributed significant 54 runs while Tim Southee remained unbeaten at 22.
West Indies were bundled out for 221 in their first innings in reply to New Zealand’s total of 373. (ANI)