The BLACKCAPS completed a National Bank Test Series victory over the West Indies with a 10–wicket win at Wellington’s Basin Reserve.
The New Zealanders wrapped up their fifth successive Test victory on the fourth day of the match, being given just 36 runs to win after bowling out the tourists for 215.
Kyle Mills took three wickets for 29 with two apiece for Chris Martin, Daniel Vettori and James Franklin, completing match figures of seven for 117 for the left-armer.
The total was easily attained, Hamish Marshall (23) and Jamie How (nine) running up 37 in 8.1 overs.
Captain Stephen Fleming claimed six catches in the match to add to his 97 in the first BLACKCAPS innings.
The BLACKCAPS enjoyed the best of the morning session, which was delayed until 11am because of overnight rain.
West Indies began 118 for four, but lost two wickets for only 38 runs before lunch.
Dwayne Bravo (7) fell to Chris Martin, caught Nathan Astle and Denesh Ramdin fell to the last ball before the interval, bowled Vettori.
After lunch, Shivnarine Chanderpaul (36) made a start but became the latest catch by Stephen Fleming, off the bowling of Kyle Mills.
And Franklin claimed Ian Bradshaw (two) after Scott Styris’ slip catch.
The visitors forced the hosts to bat a second time, but left a low total after Rawl Lewis, who held up the rearguard with an impressive 40, became Mills’ third victim of the innings.
Franklin dominated the first day with five wickets as the WIndies were restricted to 182 for eight after winning the toss.
The BLACKCAPS made solid progress on day two, after removing the visitors for 192. Fleming and Peter Fulton (75) put on 165 for the second wicket, with Nathan Astle making 65 and Daniel Vettori 42.
Franklin was unbeaten for 28 as the BLACKCAPS were all out for 372.
Chris Gayle was the stand out of the Windies’ second innings, making 68 of their total. But he found little support and the loss of Brian Lara for only one run was a further setback.
The hosts capitalised on day four, setting up victory with a whole day and a session to spare.
The third and final Test of the National Bank Series starts at Napier’s McLean Park on Saturday, March 25.
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