The West Indies ended day one of the second Test against New Zealand on the back foot, dismissed for 205 before the Black Caps eased to 24 without loss at stumps at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

Inserted to bat after losing the toss, the Caribbean side produced a promising start but failed to build on it, leaving them with an uphill task heading into Day Two. New Zealand now require just 181 more runs to secure a first-innings lead with all 10 wickets still intact.

Jamaican opener John Campbell led the early charge with a confident 44, combining with Brandon King’s composed 33 for a 66-run stand that gave the visitors their brightest passage of the day. But once both fell in relatively quick succession—along with Kavem Hodge for a duck—the innings lost stability.

Shai Hope and Roston Chase attempted to rebuild with a measured 60-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Hope compiled a polished 48 before edging behind, while Chase’s disciplined 29 ended shortly after, opening the door for New Zealand to tighten their grip.

The remaining five wickets mustered only 29 runs combined, with in-form Justin Greaves contributing 13—far from the heroics of his double century in the drawn first Test.

New Zealand’s bowlers controlled proceedings for most of the day, spearheaded by Blair Tickner, who claimed an impressive 4 for 32 before being stretchered off late in the afternoon with a suspected dislocated left shoulder. Debutant Michael Rae also impressed, taking 3 for 67 in his first Test match.

In reply, openers Devon Conway (16*) and captain Tom Latham (7*) navigated nine testing overs before the close. The West Indies seamers created a few anxious moments and induced edges, but none carried to the slip cordon.

Scores:
West Indies 205 all out
New Zealand 24 without loss