🖊️ Author: Aakash meena
🏢 Source: Esportsclick News Sports Desk
New Zealand vs West Indies 2nd Test Day 1 Report: Tickner Dominates Before Injury, Windies Fold for 205
Introduction
Day 1 of the second Test between New Zealand and the West Indies at the Basin Reserve, Wellington, was filled with drama, pace bowling masterclasses, and a concerning injury. New Zealand took firm control of the match, bundling the West Indies out for a modest 205 runs.
However, the day ended on a somber note for the hosts as their hero of the day, Blair Tickner, was stretchered off with a serious shoulder injury. By Stumps, New Zealand reached 24/0, trailing by 181 runs with all ten wickets intact.
Here is the complete match report and analysis for Day 1.
Day 1 — Complete Match Breakdown
Toss – New Zealand Opts to Bowl
New Zealand skipper Tom Latham won the toss and elected to bowl first. With a green-tinged surface and overcast skies, it was a classic Basin Reserve decision.
Pitch Condition: Seam-friendly with good bounce.
Strategy: Exploit early moisture (Successful).
West Indies 1st Innings – 205 All Out
The West Indies started cautiously but failed to capitalize. Openers John Campbell and Shai Hope showed resistance, but the middle order collapsed spectacularly after Tea.
Top Batting Performances
The visitors struggled against disciplined Kiwi bowling.
Shai Hope: 48 runs (80 balls) – Top Scorer, looked solid before falling to a bouncer.
John Campbell: 44 runs (87 balls) – Provided a stable start.
Brandon King: 33 runs – Got a start but couldn’t convert it.
The Collapse: The West Indies lost their last 6 wickets for just 30 runs, crumbling from a relatively safe position to 205 all out.
New Zealand Bowling Heroes
Blair Tickner 4/32 (16 Overs) The standout performer. Destroyed the middle order.
Michael Rae 3/66 (Debut) An impressive debut, picking up crucial wickets.
Jacob Duffy 1/33 Economical and built pressure constantly.
The Turning Point – Blair Tickner Injury Horror
The most talking point of the day occurred in the field. After taking 4 wickets, Blair Tickner suffered a nasty injury while diving to stop a boundary.
Incident: He landed awkwardly on his left shoulder.
Outcome: He was in visible pain and had to be stretchered off the field.
Status: He has been taken for scans. His participation in the rest of the match is highly doubtful.
New Zealand Batting – 24/0 at Stumps
In response to 205, New Zealand had to negotiate a tricky 9-over period before the close of play. The openers looked comfortable and unthreatened.
Score: 24/0 (9 Overs)
Trail: 181 runs behind
Devon Conway: 16* (Not Out)
Tom Latham: 7* (Not Out)
Match Analysis & Day 2 Prediction
Advantage New Zealand
New Zealand is clearly in the driver’s seat. Restricting the opposition to 205 on Day 1 is a massive advantage.
Goal for Day 2: If Conway and Latham bat through the first session tomorrow, New Zealand will look to build a massive lead (200+ runs) and bat West Indies out of the game.
West Indies Needs Early Strikes
For the West Indies, the match is slipping away. Their bowlers, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales, must take 2-3 wickets in the first hour of Day 2. If New Zealand crosses 100 without loss, the game could be over quickly.
FAQs – Quick Match Facts
Q1: Who was the best player on Day 1?
Blair Tickner was the best player, taking 4 wickets for 32 runs before his injury.
Q2: What is the current score?
West Indies scored 205, and New Zealand is 24/0 at Stumps on Day 1.
Q3: Is Blair Tickner ruled out of the test?
It is not officially confirmed yet, but the injury looked serious (shoulder dislocation or fracture likely). Updates are expected tomorrow morning.
Conclusion
Day 1 at Wellington belonged to New Zealand. Despite the injury heartbreak for Tickner, the team is in a commanding position. Cricket fans around the world will be tuning in on Day 2 to see if the West Indies can fight back or if the Black Caps will dominate further.
Disclaimer:
This article is an independent news report based on the NZ vs WI Test match played on December 10, 2025. We are not affiliated with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) or Cricket West Indies (CWI). All scores and statistics are factual and sourced from public data. Team and player names are used strictly for reporting purposes under Fair Use. No copyright infringement is intended.
