The West Indies cricket team showcased a dominant batting performance on the first day of their two-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln University on November 25. The visitors concluded the day at a formidable 346 for five, setting a strong foundation for their upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, which begins on December 1. The top-order batsmen demonstrated exceptional form, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul leading the charge with a solid 85 off 211 balls. Brandon King (79 off 91), John Campbell (68 off 98), and Kavem Hodge (55 not out off 102) also contributed significantly, each scoring half-centuries in a display of batting prowess. Campbell and Chanderpaul established a robust 130-run opening partnership, with Campbell playing aggressively before being dismissed. King and Chanderpaul continued the momentum, guiding the team to Tea without further loss. Chanderpaul retired at Tea, making way for Hodge, who aims to secure a spot in the Test squad. King’s dismissal by leg-spinner Rahman Hekmat marked a minor setback, but Hodge and Tevin Imlach added 68 runs for the fifth wicket before Imlach was bowled on the final ball of the day. The match serves as crucial preparation for the West Indies, with rookie fast bowlers Johann Layne and Ojay Shields expected to gain valuable practice on day two.