Fifties from Devon Conway and debutant Mitchell Hay pushed New Zealand to a 73-run first-innings lead before their quicks struck twice late in the day to leave West Indies reeling at 32 for 2, still 41 behind.
Despite some spirited seam bowling from Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields and Anderson Phillip, New Zealand found stability through Conway’s classy 60 and Hay’s confident 61 from No. 6. Their stand helped the hosts post 278 for 9 declared, with Blair Tickner unable to bat due to injury.
Conway played the anchor role, striking eight fours while watching Latham, Williamson and Ravindra fall at the other end. New Zealand were wobbling at 117 for 4 before Hay and Daryl Mitchell added 73, with Hay showcasing crisp cuts, bold pulls, and strong game sense under pressure. Phillip and Shields eventually removed both set batters, but useful lower-order runs from Glenn Phillips, Zak Foulkes and Jacob Duffy stretched the lead past 70.
With the ball still hard, New Zealand’s quicks wrestled control back under the evening cloud cover. Michael Rae struck first, zipping one through John Campbell’s off stump, before Jacob Duffy trapped nightwatcher Phillip lbw on review. Brandon King and Kavem Hodge survived the final minutes, but West Indies head into Day 3 under serious pressure.
