The West Indies were brought back down to Earth, crashing to a nine-wicket defeat to New Zealand in three days at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Thursday night, Jamaican time.

West Indies crumbled to 128 runs in their second innings, setting New Zealand a paltry 56 runs to win, and the home team easily achieved that with the loss of one wicket, reaching 57-1.

West Indies had made 208 in their first inning with Jamaican John Campbell hitting 44 and, along with fellow Jamaican Brandon King, who made 33, putting on 61 runs for the opening partnership, but once they went, the team faltered to 208 with only Shai Hope contributing a top score of  47 in the lower order. Blair Tickner took 4-32, and Michael Rae captured 3-66.

New Zealand then made 278-9 declared, with wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay top-scored with 61, and Devon Conway chipped in with 60 as Anderson Phillips took 3-70 and Kemar Roach 2-43.

The West Indies, with a deficit of 70 runs, could only muster a poor 128 with Kaven Hodge top scoring with 35 runs and double centurion Justin Greaves making 25.

Jacob Duffy, playing in just his third Test, captured 5-38 and Michael Rae 35, setting up an easy target of just 56 runs, and they did it with aplomb, reaching 57-1 as Devon Conway stroked 28 not out with six 4s and Kane Williamson hitting 16 not out with four 4s. Captain Tom Latham was the man out for nine runs.

With the First Test drawn, the West Indies cannot win the three-Test Series. The next match is scheduled to start on December 18.

West Indies captain, Roston Chase, said he was disappointed with his team’s batting performance, once again failing to capitalise on good starts.

It was rather disappointing, especially following the sterling stout-hearted batting in the First Test, to turn up days later with a pathetic display which has become synonymous with West Indies cricket.