NZ vs WI: Top 5 performers from the Test series
The two-Test series between New Zealand and West Indies ended with an expected result as the Black Caps whitewashed the visitors convincingly by 2-0 and subsequently inched closer towards the top spot in the ICC Test rankings. There were quite a few notable performances from the hosts, and though the men from the Caribbean were outplayed, some individual performances from them were remarkable too. On this note, let us take a look at the top 5 performers of the two-match series.
5. Henry Nicholls (NZ) – 181 runs
Nicholls finished behind Williamson and Blackwood in the series as the third-highest run-getter with 181 runs from 2 innings at 90.50. Though Nicholls missed out with the bat in the Auckland Test, he confirmed that he made it count in the second one as he slammed his 6th Test ton. He went onto score 174 from 280 and thereby laid the foundation of another innings-victory for his team.
4. Jermaine Blackwood (WI) – 216 runs
The Kiwi bowlers were ruthless in both the games as New Zealand managed to push their opponents into back-to-back follow-ons. That Windies lost both the games by an innings is a clear indicator of how much their batsmen struggled on the green tops. Although Jermaine Blackwood stood for his team as a lone warrior twice and finished the series with 216 runs from 4 innings at 54.00, which included a brilliant 104 in the second-innings at Auckland, and a gritty 69 at Wellington.
3. Kane Williamson (NZ) – 251 runs
The New Zealand skipper featured only in the first Test, and his team’s victory by an innings did not allow him to bat again. Despite batting only in the first innings of the first game, and missing out on the second Test on account of his paternity leave. Williamson ended up as the highest run-scorer courtesy of his staggering 251-run knock at Seddon Park, Auckland.
2. Kyle Jamieson (NZ) – 11 wickets
Kyle Jamieson showed immense promise in the series as he ended up with 11 wickets in his bag at an average of 13.09. His spectacular 5-wicket haul in the first innings of the second Test proved crucial in his team’s win and he deservedly ended up being awarded the Man of the Series award to his name. Not to forget that he also made his presence felt with the bat after his 51 in the first game, which led the team to an extended lead.
1. Tim Southee (NZ) – 12 wickets
The veteran pacer for the Black Caps, Tim Southee, ended up as the leading wicket-taker in the series as he bagged 12 wickets at 18.75. Pairing himself with young Jamieson, he contributed equally well in the series and recorded a 5-wicket haul in the first innings of the second game. He followed that with 2 wickets in the second innings to take his match tally to 7.
