West Indies trail New Zealand by 41 runs heading into the third day of the second Test. This comes after the Kiwis posted a total of 278/9 on the board before declaring in their first innings and then restricted the visitors down to 32/2 by the end of day's play. It was another strong day for New Zealand and they will be aiming to continue performing well as the match progresses.
After bundling out West Indies for 205 and concluding the opening day on 24/0, New Zealand didn't have a great start to Day 2. They lost skipper Tom Latham cheaply for 11 runs in the first few overs before a solid partnership took place between Devon Conway and Kane Williamson. The duo played some brilliant shots at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, helping the side cross the 100-run mark at the loss of only one wicket. Conway also went on to reach a robust half-century.
The stand would eventually be broken by Anderson Phillip, who got the wicket of Kane Williamson for 37 runs. Soon after, the Black Caps would find themselves in trouble as both Conway and Rachin Ravindra lost their wickets in the space of four deliveries. With the hosts being down at 117/4, it looked as if the Windies were back into the game. However, a gritty stand between Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Hay turned things around once again.
Hay's fabulous knock on debut
Hay proved to be the aggressor among the two and scored runs at a quicker pace to that of the experienced Mitchell. The 73-run partnership would be brought to an end by Phillip as he got rid of Mitchell for 25 runs. Hay would go on to reach his half-century and what made it all the more impressive was the fact that he reached the mark on debut. It was a fine knock, but he would eventually lose his wicket to Ojay Shields for 61 runs.
Cameos of 18 and 23 from Glenn Phillips and Zakary Foulkes helped New Zealand reach a decent total of 278/9 before they were forced to declare with Blair Tickner unable to take the crease due to injury. Phillip was the pick of the bowlers, recording figures of 3/70 while Kemar Roach also contributed well with two wickets. The Kiwis managed to take a lead of 73 runs thanks to a solid batting display.
West Indies lose two wickets in final few overs
In reply, West Indies didn't have a great start and lost opener John Campbell to Michael Rae for 14 runs in the seventh over. With only a few overs left in the day, they decided to send Phillip to the crease as a night-watchman, but this strategy didn't work as he lost his wicket to Jacob Duffy in the very next over. The duo of Brandon King and Kavem Hodge finished the day unbeaten on 15 and 3 respectively as West Indies ended up at 32/2, trailing New Zealand by 41 runs. It remains to be seen as to how things develop on the third day of the Test.