The respective captains have pinpointed an entertaining partnership between New Zealand's last-wicket pair as key to their series-sealing win against the West Indies in the second test in Hamilton.
Trent Boult, left, and Tim Southee at the crease together. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
The hosts coasted to a 240-run victory on Tuesday afternoon at Seddon Park - their second win over the Windies inside four days.
They had been chasing 444 for victory but were never in the hunt thanks to tight bowling.
It is the second-heaviest defeat New Zealand inflicted on a side chasing in the fourth innings, after the 254-run win over Zimbabwe in Bulawayo last year.
Neil Wagner was the best of the bowlers with 3-42. Tim Southee returned 2-71, Trent Boult 2-52 and Mitchell Santner, with his late brace, 2-13.
New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor was named man of the match for his 107 not out in the second innings.
The West Indies started the day at 2-30 but lost wickets regularly and Sunil Ambris (five) was forced to retire hurt after a Wagner delivery fractured a bone in his left forearm.
Their top scorer was Roston Chase with 64 and there were handy lower-order contributions from Raymon Reifer (29) and Roach.
Both captains identified New Zealand's 10th wicket stand in the first innings as where they got the upper hand.
It came on the morning of the second day when the New Zealanders Black Caps had started at 7-286.
Seam-bowling spearheads Southee (31) and Boult (37no) put on 61 runs to take the total from 312-9 to 373.
"I thought that was a crucial part," stand-in West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite said.
"Obviously we still didn't come good with the bat, as we should, but obviously that was a good last-wicket partnership. I know they took that momentum into the field."
Black Caps captain Kane Williamson said lower order runs were so valuable.
"Our lower order has contributed nicely in this series," Williamson said.
"When they get an opportunity (they want to) get their head down and contribute as much as they can to the team. That was a big partnership for us."
The West Indies were dismissed in their first innings for 221 and the Kiwis' second innings of 8-291 declared set the Windies the 444 target, which would have been a world record if they achieved it.
New Zealand won the first match of the two-test series by an innings and 67 runs in Wellington.
- AAP
