Kiwi Bowler Duffy Shines Under Pressure, Defends Tight Total

In a tense finish, New Zealand bowler Duffy demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. With the West Indies requiring 30 runs off the last 12 balls, Duffy initially conceded back-to-back boundaries to Rovman Powell in the dewy conditions at the start of the 19th over. However, Duffy managed to regroup and conceded just four runs off the last four balls, including a bumper that flew past Matthew Forde's head and a yorker that was squirted to short fine leg for a single.

Duffy's performance was particularly impressive given that he has been New Zealand's highest wicket-taker since April 2024, with 36 wickets, and the second-most economical bowler for a minimum of 200 balls bowled in the format during this period. The team's captain, Mitchell Santner, was visibly impressed by Duffy's skill and composure in leading a young and inexperienced attack, with several of New Zealand's first-choice fast bowlers, including Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson, on the sidelines.