Ali's Hat-trick Sinks West Indies To 163 On Treacherous 2nd Test Wicket

West Indies were bowled out for 163 on Tuesday as England off-spinner Moeen Ali capped a remarkable fightback by claiming four wickets for 36 runs in the second and final Test at Mount Maunganui.

A Dramatic Collapse

West Indies, who resumed on 136 for six, lost their remaining four wickets for just 27 runs in the space of 10 overs. Ali struck three times in the first five overs of the day, removing Joshua Da Silva, Kemar Roach, and debutant Jayden Seales. He then returned to trap Shannon Gabriel lbw to complete his hat-trick, becoming the first England off-spinner to achieve the feat in Tests.

Stuart Broad (2-29) and Chris Woakes (2-50) shared the other wickets as England wrapped up the innings shortly before lunch. The West Indies total was their lowest in New Zealand since 1980.

Analysis

England's fightback will give them great confidence heading into the third and final Test in Grenada. The visitors had been in a strong position after day one, but West Indies fought back on day two, reducing England to 361 all out, thanks to a brilliant 85 from Jermaine Blackwood.

However, Ali's hat-trick has turned the match in England's favor. The off-spinner has been in excellent form throughout the series, and his wickets on Tuesday will be a major boost to his team.

Ali's Impressive Form

Ali has taken 12 wickets in the series so far, and his performances have been crucial to England's success. He is a key part of England's attack and will be looking to continue his good form in the third Test.

The 34-year-old is one of the most experienced players in the England side, and his performances in New Zealand have shown that he is still a valuable asset to the team.

Broad and Woakes Contribute

Broad and Woakes also played their part in England's victory. Broad bowled a hostile spell at the tail-enders, while Woakes picked up two wickets in the first innings.

The pair have been England's most successful bowlers in recent years, and their performances in New Zealand have shown that they are still a force to be reckoned with.

Conclusion

England's victory in the second Test is a major boost to their hopes of winning the series. They will head into the third and final Test in Grenada with their tails up, and will be confident of completing a 2-0 win.

West Indies will need to show much more resilience if they are to avoid defeat in Grenada. They have a talented team, but they have been outplayed by England in the first two Tests.

The third and final Test will be a fascinating contest, and it could be decided by the performances of Ali, Broad, and Woakes.

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