WELLINGTON – An electrifying day of cricket unfolded at Basin Reserve on December 11 as New Zealand established a precarious 41-run lead against West Indies in the second Test, with eleven wickets tumbling throughout the dramatic second day’s play.
The hosts, resuming at 24/0 in response to West Indies’ first-innings total of 205, were eventually contained for 278 after a declaration, securing a 73-run advantage. The Black Caps’ batting effort was spearheaded by debutant Mitchell Hay, who showcased remarkable composure with an aggressive 61 runs from 93 deliveries. His maiden Test half-century proved instrumental in pushing New Zealand past the visitors’ initial score.
West Indies’ pace attack demonstrated moments of brilliance, particularly during the morning session. Veteran seamer Kemar Roach (2/43) produced a magnificent delivery to dismiss captain Tom Latham for 11, while Anderson Phillip (3/70) claimed the prized wicket of star batsman Kane Williamson with an unplayable ball that shattered the off-stump. Williamson had been building momentum with 37 runs from just 46 balls.
The post-lunch session saw immediate breakthroughs as Roach and first-Test hero Justin Greaves removed Rachin Ravindra (5) and Devon Conway (60) within three balls, reducing New Zealand to 117/4. A stabilizing 73-run partnership between Hay and Daryl Mitchell (25) followed before Phillip struck again, with wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach taking a sharp leg-side catch confirmed by review.
Despite reaching tea at 200/5, New Zealand suffered another quick setback as Hay’s aggressive innings ended with a catch by Roach at fine-leg off Ojay Shields (1/50). The lower order contributed valuable runs, with Zakary Foulkes remaining unbeaten on 23 before the declaration at 278/9. The hosts were forced to bowl without pacer Blair Tickner, who dislocated his shoulder on day one.
West Indies faced a challenging final session in their second innings, stumbling to 32/2 after opener John Campbell (14) was bowled by debutant Michael Rae. Nightwatchman Anderson Phillip fell for a duck to Jacob Duffy following a successful review. Brandon King (15*) and Kavem Hodge (3*) will resume the innings on day three with West Indies still trailing by 41 runs.