New Zealand on top in 2nd test against West Indies

The Zew Zealand cricketers held the upper hand at the end of the second day of the second test match against the West Indies at Wellington, going to stumps with the visitors on 158/4 in reply to their own imposing first innings total of 441.

Marlon Samuels was going strong for the West Indies, ending the day on 50 not out. With him is Narsingh Deonarine on 17.

The two have so far featured in a partnership of 39 runs from just 6.2 overs, going at a strike rate of 6.15 runs per over. The problem for the Windies, however, is that this is the last pair of frontline batsmen, with only the wicket keeper and the bowlers to come, and the deficit still 283 runs.

The Kiwis, resuming on 307/6 afer rain delayed the start of play on Thursday morning, were allowed, by generous West Indian bowling, to quickly add 134 before being dismissed. Wicket keeper B.J. Watling made the most of the opportunity, scoring 65 runs while being ably supported by most of the tailenders.

The West Indies set off at a brisk pace in reply, after another rain delay between innings. With the score on 46, however, Kieran Powell fell, LBW to Southee for 21.

More celebrations were to follow shortly after, with the quick dismissal of Darren Bravo, the double-century hero for the Windies in the first test match, caught off the bowling of Corey Anderson for four.

It became 103/3 when Corey Anderson also accounted for Kirk Edwards, caught Rutherform for 55.

If the Kiwis were happy to see the back of the earlier batsmen, they would have been ecstatic when Trent Boult induced the usually reliable Chanderpaul into an early dismissal, caught by Corey Anderson.

The score was then 119 but Samuels and Deonarine ensured that there was no furher dismissal, but still leaving their team with a difficult third day's play in prospect.