West Indies top-order fires four half-centuries in New Zealand warm-up

West Indies’ top four batsmen struck fluent half-centuries ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, as they piled up 346 for 5 on the opening day of their two-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI.

Playing at Lincoln, the touring side made the most of the opportunity to acclimatise to the local conditions, with every batsman who took the crease registering a significant score.

The focus of the day was firmly on building patient, substantial innings, a crucial requirement for Test success in New Zealand.

Opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul led the charge, patiently anchoring the innings with a meticulous 85 before retiring out to give others time in the middle.

His 211-ball effort set a solid foundation for the innings. His partner, John Campbell, played with more intent, striking 68 off 98 balls as the opening stand put the hosts’ bowlers under pressure early on.

At number three, Brandon King scored a fluent 79 from just 91 deliveries and the good work continued down the order. Kavem Hodge, back in the Test squad, ensured the momentum was maintained with an unbeaten 55 from 102 balls.

He was supported by Tevin Imlach (25) and Alick Athanaze (23), both of whom also got starts but did not convert them into substantial scores, eventually falling to the young New Zealand XI attack.

The home side’s bowlers toiled hard throughout the day. Medium-pacer Toby Hart stood out with the most economical figures, finishing the day with 1 for 28.

The practice match is the sole warm-up fixture before the series opener at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, which commences on December 1, 2025.

West Indies Test Squad: Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain), Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields

FULL TOUR SCHEDULE (Caribbean Time)

• Two-Day Warm-Up Match: November 25-26, Lincoln, Christchurch
• 1st Test: 1-5 December 2025 – Hagley Oval, Christchurch (6pm AST / 5pm in Jamaica)
• 2nd Test: 9-13 October 2025 – Basin Reserve, Wellington (6pm AST / 5pm in Jamaica)
• 3rd Test: 17-21 December 2025 – Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui (6pm AST / 5pm in Jamaica)