The opening day of the 1st Test between New Zealand and West Indies in Christchurch was heavily affected by rain, interruptions, and fading light, but still produced an intriguing day of Test cricket.

Rain-Interrupted Start

New Zealand were put under early pressure with rain stopping play just 3.3 overs into the match. At that stage, they were 5/1, with Tom Latham on 1 and Kane Williamson on 3.

A short while later, wet ground conditions forced another delay, with the score unchanged.

Early Drama: Williamson Falls to Review

In the 8th over, West Indies reviewed a bowling decision against Kane Williamson. The decision was overturned, and Williamson was ruled out by umpire AG Wharf after being struck in front.
At 10.3 overs, rain returned again to halt play with New Zealand at 17/1, and that score remained until the lunch break.

Williamson Rebuilds Before Collapse

After lunch, Williamson found rhythm and steadily built his innings. He reached his half-century off 88 balls, hitting six boundaries. Together with Latham, he added a steady 50-run stand for the second wicket.

New Zealand reached:

50 runs in 17.1 overs

100 runs in 32.3 overs

At the drinks break, the hosts were looking comfortable at 93/1, with Latham on 23 and Williamson on 52.

West Indies Fight Back – Middle-Order Crumbles

The match swung dramatically as West Indies picked up wickets in clusters.
By tea, New Zealand had slipped to 128/5, with Tom Blundell (16) and Michael Bracewell (0) at the crease.

Lower Order Battles On

Bracewell and Nathan Smith added valuable runs, putting together a 50-run partnership for the 7th wicket in 90 balls. New Zealand crossed:

150 in 49.1 overs

200 in 64.1 overs

At the drinks break in the final session, they reached 188/6, with Bracewell on 27 and Smith on 17.

Bad Light Ends Play Early

As the day approached its close, West Indies continued taking wickets, leaving New Zealand struggling at 231/9 in 70 overs when bad light forced early stumps.

The not-out batsmen were:

ZG Foulkes (4)

JA Duffy (4)

End of Day 1

New Zealand finish on 231/9, a total shaped by weather, interruptions, and a strong West Indies bowling fightback.