Day 2: New Zealand Gain Crucial First-Innings Edge Over West Indies Read the full match report.

New Zealand 1st Innings (Total: 278/9d in 74.4 overs)

West Indies 2nd Innings (Total: 32/2 in 10 overs)

Day 2: New Zealand Gain Crucial First-Innings Edge Over West Indies

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Day two of the second Test at the Cello Basin Reserve belonged decisively to the Black Caps, who, powered by a composed half-century from opener Devon Conway and a sparkling debut knock from wicketkeeper Mitchell Hay, built a critical first-innings lead before their seamers struck late to compound the West Indies’ woes.

New Zealand ended the day with a commanding advantage, having dismissed the West Indies for 205 on Day 1 (or early Day 2), and then posting 278/9 declared in their reply, securing a 73-run first-innings lead. By Stumps on Day 2, the tourists were already reeling at 32/2, trailing by 41 runs.

Conway and Williamson Lay the Foundation

Resuming on the overnight score, New Zealand’s innings was steered early by the experienced heads of Devon Conway and Kane Williamson. The pair navigated a disciplined morning spell from the West Indies quicks, patiently accumulating runs to neutralise the threat. Conway, in particular, looked assured, reaching his 15th Test half-century—his first against the West Indies—with a measured approach.

The 67-run partnership for the second wicket was finally broken when Williamson (37) fell to the lively Anderson Phillip. The loss of Rachin Ravindra (5) quickly followed, and when Conway (60) was caught behind off the bowling of Justin Greaves, New Zealand found themselves at a precarious 117/4. The morning’s stability had given way to a wobble, offering the West Indies a route back into the contest.

Debutant Hay’s Heroics Tilt the Balance

It was at this crucial juncture that debutant Mitchell Hay stepped up. Playing in place of the injured Tom Blundell, the 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman displayed maturity beyond his experience. He combined effectively with the in-form Daryl Mitchell (25) to forge a vital 63-run stand for the fifth wicket, moving the Black Caps past the 180-mark and easing the pressure.

Hay’s innings was a blend of solid defence and judicious aggression, highlighted by nine boundaries and one towering six, as he celebrated his arrival on the Test stage with an impressive half-century. His dismissal for a well-made 61 brought the tail into play, but the momentum was now firmly with the home side. Late cameos from Glenn Phillips (18) and a valuable lower-order contribution ensured New Zealand stretched their lead past 70 runs before captain Tom Latham declared the innings at 278/9 with 74.4 overs bowled, signalling his intent to exploit the testing late-day conditions.

For the West Indies, the seam attack performed admirably, despite the lack of a knockout punch. Anderson Phillip was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 3/54, while Kemar Roach chipped in with two wickets, maintaining a disciplined line throughout.

Late Strikes Put West Indies on the Ropes

With a 73-run deficit to erase, the West Indies’ openers faced a testing 10-over spell before the close of play. The New Zealand seamers, energised by their first-innings lead, wasted no time in making inroads.

The breakthrough came from Zakary Foulkes, who trapped opener John Campbell (24) in front, breaking an initial boundary-laden 24-run partnership. A bigger blow landed soon after when a mix-up led to the run-out of nightwatchman Anderson Phillip (1) by a sharp piece of fielding involving Devon Conway and substitute Kristian Clarke.

Day 2: New Zealand Gain Crucial First-Innings Edge Over West Indies

Stumps were called with the West Indies at 32/2, still needing 41 runs to make New Zealand bat again. Brandon King (7*) and Kavem Hodge (0*) will face the daunting task of negotiating the early morning swing and seam on Day 3, with the fate of their innings, and possibly the match, resting heavily on their ability to build a substantial partnership.