The New Zealand vs West Indies 2nd Test 2025 at Basin Reserve, Wellington, kicked off with intense pace bowling, dramatic collapses, and a commanding finish for the Black Caps. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, New Zealand bundled out West Indies for just 205 runs, ending the day strongly at 24/0, trailing by only 181 runs with all wickets intact.
This fiery opening day has already become one of the trending cricket stories on Google, social platforms, and cricket forums worldwide.
⭐ West Indies Struggle as Kiwi Bowlers Dominate
The West Indies batting lineup failed to build partnerships and kept losing wickets at crucial moments.
Key Highlights from WI Innings
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Shai Hope (48) looked promising but lacked support from the other end.
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John Campbell (44) started well but couldn't convert it into a big one.
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The middle order collapsed under constant seam movement.
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No WI batsman reached a half-century — a telling sign of the pressure created by NZ bowlers.
🎯 Bowling Heroes of New Zealand
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Blair Tickner: 4/32 – outstanding spells, troubling every WI batter.
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Michael Rae (Debut): 3/67 – dream debut, consistent lines, and crucial breakthroughs.
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Matt Henry & Ben Sears maintained brilliant pressure, setting the tone early.
New Zealand’s pace attack proved yet again why Wellington remains a fast bowler’s paradise.
🏏 New Zealand’s Confident Start
Openers Devon Conway (16)* and Tom Latham (7)* survived tricky overs under cloudy conditions to end Day 1 unbeaten. Their calm approach suggests NZ are preparing for a big first-innings lead.
If NZ bat long on Day 2, the match could swing completely in their favour.
🔍 Match Analysis: Where the Game Stands
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Momentum is 100% with New Zealand.
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WI need early wickets on Day 2 to stay alive in the Test.
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NZ’s depth in pace bowling is becoming a major storyline this series.
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Batting conditions expected to improve on Day 2 → huge opportunity for NZ’s top order.
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📌 Conclusion
Day 1 of the NZ vs WI 2nd Test 2025 belonged entirely to New Zealand. With an exceptional bowling display and a steady start with the bat, the Black Caps are firmly positioned to dominate the remaining days of the Test match.
Fans can expect high scoring from NZ, intense WI fightback attempts, and a potentially match-deciding Day 2.

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