New Zealand won the first Test against West Indies by a record margin of an innings and 134 runs. This is their best win against the Windies in Tests surpassing their previous best of innings and 105-run win at Wellington’s Basin Reserve in 1999. The hosts thus take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson was the architect of this victory with his knock of 251.
The Kiwis scored 519 for 7 batting first on the back of Kane Williamson’s 251. There were contributions from Tom Latham (86) Kylie Jamieson (51) and Ross Taylor (38) as well.
In reply, the Windies were bowled out for 139 in the first innings. They were asked to follow on and were 89 for 6 with the fall of Jason Holder in the 22nd over.
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New Zealand Beat West Indies By an Innings & 134 Runs
Jermaine Blakwood and Alzarrie Joseph then added a 155-run stand for the seventh wicket in a rearguard action to bring them to 244. It was Jamieson who broke the partnership and opened the gates for a Kiwi win. The Windies then lost the next three wickets for just three runs as Williamson’s men earned their record win.
“We were fortunate to get off to a good start and to be able hold that position. Coming into today we knew the West Indies batted deep and they showed that. It was great the guys stuck with it” New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said.
Williamson for his double ton was also awarded the Man of the Match in the game.It was his third double hundred and his second as skipper of New Zealand. This is also his highest Test score now.
“It was nice to spend some time out in the middle and build partnerships. It was going past the bat, fortunate for me. It was nice to get a first innings total like that and it’s nice to contribute in that way. It was really challenging technically and mentally. Nice to spend some time and get through that tough period, that’s Test cricket” said the New Zealand skipper on his knock.
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