New Zealand swept the West Indies 2-0 in a two Test series to join Australia at the top of world cricket’s Test rankings.
After winning the first Test in Hamilton by an innings and 134 runs, New Zealand won the second Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington by an innings and 12 runs inside the first hour of the fourth morning on Monday.
The West Indies resumed their second innings at 244-6, trailing New Zealand by 85 runs after following on 329 behind.
Wicket-keeper Joshua Da Silva (57) provided some late resistance, achieving a first half century in his debut Test, before the tourists were all out for 317 their highest innings total of the series.
The series win lifted New Zealand level with Australia on 116 points in first place in the ICC World Test standings — the first time in their history they have achieved that ranking.
New Zealand are now unbeaten in their last 15 Test matches at home, giving them one of the most formidable home advantages in world cricket.
The second Test winning was set up also set up by Henry Nicholls’ career-best 174, which allowed New Zealand to reach 460 in their first innings after losing the toss and being sent in to bat.
Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson finished with a match figure of 7-77, while Tim Southee grabbed 7-128.
In the first innings, Southee took-5-32 and Jamieson 5-34 as New Zealand bowled out West Indies for 131 in the first innings, enforcing the follow on. It was only the third occasion and first time in 36 years that New Zealand bowlers have completed five-wicket haul in the same innings.
West Indies produced their best batting effort of the series in the second innings but just fell short of 12 runs of making New Zealand bat again.
Scores were: New Zealand 460- West Indies 131 and 317.
