Blair Tickner, Michael Rae shine as New Zealand seize command after dramatic West Indies collapse on Day 1 of second Test

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New Zealand capped off a dominant opening day in the second Test at Basin Reserve, bowling out West Indies for a modest 205 before reaching a steady 24/0 at stumps. Trailing by 181 runs, the hosts firmly hold the advantage after a disciplined collective display with the ball, headlined by Blair Tickner and debutant Michael Rae.

Opting to bowl first under overcast Wellington skies, New Zealand initially found the West Indies top order resolute. While movement off the surface was limited in the first session, John Campbell’s 44 and Shai Hope’s fluent 48 ensured the visitors negotiated the early threat with composure. Their partnerships helped WI maintain stability heading into the second session, where the hosts began to claw their way back into the contest.

As the pitch quickened after lunch, New Zealand’s pace brigade tightened the screws. Short-pitched bowling proved effective, unsettling the West Indies middle order. Blair Tickner, relentless with his lines and aggressive lengths, claimed 4/32, dismissing four of the top five batters at crucial moments. His ability to extract bounce and hurry batters forced errors that shifted the momentum significantly in New Zealand’s favour.

On debut, Michael Rae overcame initial nerves to deliver a composed and disciplined spell. His 3/67 included important middle-order wickets that prevented the visitors from rebuilding. Jacob Duffy and Glenn Phillips added a wicket each, contributing to a complete bowling performance.

Also READ: NZ vs WI, 2nd Test: Key Stats and Records at Wellington’s Basin Reserve

What had been a fairly balanced contest through two sessions turned heavily in New Zealand’s favour after tea. The West Indies innings unraveled dramatically, losing their final six wickets for just 29 runs. The lower order struggled against the sharp rise 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 concerning 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 flick from Tevon Imlach. He stayed down immediately, prompting urgent calls for help. Medical staff from both the New Zealand camp and the venue attended to him before he was stretchered off—sitting upright—to applause from the Basin Reserve crowd. He was later transported to a hospital by ambulance. Updates on his availability for the remainder of the Test are expected before the start of Day 2.

In the brief period before stumps, openers navigated the remaining overs safely, taking the hosts to 24 without loss. With a deep batting unit and favourable conditions forecasted, New Zealand are well-placed to build a substantial first-innings lead on Day 2.

New Zealand dominated the first day of the 2nd Test 👏#Cricket #NZvsWI

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 10, 2025

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