West Indies bowlers dominated the first day and destroyed New Zealand’s batting line-up with clinical efficiency. At Hagley Oval, Christchurch, the visitors won the toss and elected to field, setting the tone early in the contest. At stumps, New Zealand’s score read 231/9, largely thanks to a relentless West Indies bowling attack, which provided little respite for the home team.
Kane Williamson’s fighting innings amid New Zealand’s top-order collapse
Amid New Zealand’s top-order collapse, kane williamson Standing out with a courageous half-century, demonstrating his class and experience. Williamson scored 52 runs with the help of six fours in 102 balls before getting out. Justin Greaves‘ Bowling, caught out alic athanazĂ©Their innings was a struggling effort with wickets falling around them, producing a 93-run partnership, Tom LathamWho contributed 24 runs. The rest of New Zealand’s batsmen struggled to build partnerships as the West Indies bowlers kept up the pressure. Despite challenging conditions and disciplined bowling, Williamson’s composed batting was an inspiration for the hosts and highlighted his return to Test cricket after almost a year.
West Indies’ disciplined bowling dominated on the first day of the first Test
The West Indies bowlers collectively demolished New Zealand’s batting line-up on the first day, making the most of the green and cloudy conditions conducive to swing bowling. Greaves (2 wickets for 35 runs) performed exceptionally. Kemar Roach (2 out of 47), Ojay Shields (2 wickets for 34 runs on debut), and jaden seals (1 out of 44).
The visitors displayed excellent discipline and skill and prevented the Black Caps from holding on by taking wickets at crucial moments. The accuracy of the bowling unit was reflected in the steady fall of wickets at regular intervals, allowing New Zealand to manage only 231 runs for 9 wickets in 70 overs. late batsman, zak faulx And jacob duffyThey held firm in the end with a small unbeaten partnership, but the day firmly belonged to the West Indian fast bowlers, who bowled with complete threat and control.
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This opening day performance has put the West Indies in a strong position as the Tests progress, showcasing their powerful bowling arsenal and strategic execution in overseas conditions. New Zealand’s fragile innings crumbled time and again as pressure mounted due to disciplined bowling spells and fast fielding. The visitors, keen to capitalize on their early successes and maintain dominance in this first Test in Christchurch, now have the upper hand.
Play halted due to bad light and play on the first day of the first Test has ended
New Zealand: 231/9 in 70 overs
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/M5WFl3DbZA#Cricket #NZvWI pic.twitter.com/GgseMr6Sqj
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 2 December 2025
