Blair Tickner and Michael Rae shine as New Zealand take command after West Indies’ dramatic collapse on first day of second Test
New Zealand rounded off a dominant opening day in the second Test at Basin Reserve, bowling West Indies for a modest 205 before reaching a steady 24/0 on the stumps. Trailing by 181 points, the hosts firmly hold the advantage after a disciplined collective display with the ball, headlined by Blair Tickner and debutant Michael Rae.
First resistance of the West Indies
Choosing to bowl first under overcast Wellington skies, New Zealand initially found the West Indies resolute. Although movement outside the box was limited during the first session, John Campbellhe is 44 years old and Shai HopeThe 48 currents allowed the visitors to negotiate the first threat with composure. Their partnerships helped WI maintain their stability ahead of the second session, where the hosts began to claw their way back into the competition.
Blair Tickner destroys West Indies brilliantly at bowling
As the pitch quickened after lunch, the New Zealand brigade tightened the screw. The short-range bowling proved effective, destabilizing the West Indies middle order. Blair Ticknerrelentless with his aggressive lines and lengths, claimed 4/32, dismissing four of the top five batters at crucial times. His ability to extract the rebound and press hitters caused errors that significantly shifted the momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
At the beginning, Michael Rae overcame initial nerves to deliver a composed and disciplined spell. His 3/67 included important middle-order wickets which prevented the visitors from rebuilding. Jacob Duffy And Glenn Phillips added a wicket each, contributing to an all-round bowling performance.
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Six wickets for 29: WI collapses in final session
What had been a fairly even contest over the course of two sessions turned largely in New Zealand’s favor after tea. The West Indies innings unfolded in dramatic fashion, losing their last six wickets for just 29 runs. The lower order struggled against the sharp increase in pace and sustained hostility, leaving WI well short of a competitive first innings total.
However, New Zealand’s near-perfect day was marred by a worrying moment late in the innings. Tickner suffered a suspected dislocated left shoulder while making a full-length diving effort near the boundary rope to stop a hit from Tevon Imlach. He immediately fell to the ground, prompting urgent calls for help. Medical staff from the New Zealand camp and site attended to him before he was laid on a stretcher, sitting upright, to applause from the Basin Reserve crowd. He was then taken to hospital by ambulance. Updates on its availability for the remainder of the test are expected before the start of Day 2.
In the brief period before stumps, the openers cruised through the remaining overs safely, taking the hosts to 24 without loss. With a deep batting unit and favorable conditions predicted, New Zealand are well placed to build a substantial first-innings lead on day two.
New Zealand dominated the first day of the 2nd Test 👏#Cricket #NZvsWI pic.twitter.com/C5IFl0hgCz
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 10, 2025
Also READ: NZ vs WI: Fans go wild as Justin Greaves’ stunning double ton leads West Indies to historic draw in 1st Test against New Zealand
