New Zealand secured a 3-1 series victory over West Indies in the fifth Twenty20 international at Dunedin on Thursday, winning by eight wickets. Jacob Duffy‘s outstanding performance of 4-35, including three crucial wickets in the third over, helped restrict West Indies to 140 runs, which New Zealand chased down successfully in the 16th over.Duffy’s early strikes reduced West Indies to 21-4, and he later returned to dismiss Romario Shepherd, who had scored a quick 36 from 22 balls. West Indies were eventually bowled out in 18.4 overs.New Zealand’s chase was commanding, with Devon Conway remaining unbeaten on 47. He built crucial partnerships of 69 with Tim Robinson (45 off 24 balls), 37 with Rachin Ravindra (21), and 35 with Mark Chapman (21 not out).
The series saw West Indies winning the first match by seven runs, followed by New Zealand’s victories in the second and third matches by three runs and nine runs respectively. All these matches went down to the final over, while the fourth match was abandoned due to rain.Duffy, who claimed 10 wickets in the series, was named Player of the Series.“I guess in Twenty20 a huge asset of mine is that swing up top and taking wickets in the power play is always pretty important,” Duffy said. “Maybe less so against the West Indies, such is the length of their batting lineup. I guess that’s always my role in the team is to swing the ball up top and try to make things happen.”West Indies started aggressively after losing the toss, with Alick Athanaze hitting a six off Duffy’s first ball. However, the University Oval pitch offered assistance to the New Zealand pacers, with 19 dot balls in the first five overs.Kyle Jamieson dismissed Athanaze in the second over through a return catch. Duffy then removed Shai Hope (11), Ackeem Auguste (8), and Sherfane Rutherford (0) in quick succession.Rovman Powell’s dismissal for 11 left West Indies struggling at 48-5. Roston Chase (38) and Jason Holder (20) offered some resistance with a 42-run partnership.Shepherd’s late assault, featuring three fours and three sixes, helped West Indies reach 140 before Duffy returned to end their innings.The teams will now shift focus to a three-match ODI series. West Indies will welcome back John Campbell to their squad, while Matthew Forde, Johann Layne, and Shamar Springer will strengthen their pace attack.The West Indies will be without injured players Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Ramon Simmonds, and Jediah Blades for the upcoming series.The first ODI is scheduled for Sunday at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
