Devon Conway and Mitchell Hay led New Zealand’s charge in Wellington, as the hosts took control on day two of their second Test against West Indies.
The pair scored a combined 121 runs for the Black Caps, who declared at 278-9 before claiming two early wickets for a 41-run lead at the conclusion of play.
New Zealand – without the injured Blair Tickner after the bowler dislocated his shoulder on the opening day – resumed day two on 24-0 after dismissing West Indies for 205.
Although skipper Tom Latham fell for just 11, Test debutant Hay top-scored with 61 off 93 balls, while Conway hit 60 from 108 deliveries to set the hosts on their way.
Kane Williamson also chipped in with 37 for New Zealand, who declared with a 73-run advantage.
The tourists looked to reduce their deficit in the final 10 overs of the day, but lost John Campbell and Anderson Phillip in quick succession as they finished on 33-2.
A good start to Test cricket for Mitch Hay#NZvWI pic.twitter.com/xtG35CYtEQ
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 11, 2025
Data Debrief: Mitchell makes Hay in Wellington
Hay, in for the injured Tom Blundell, hit the ground running in Test cricket.
His knock of 61 was the third-highest by a New Zealand keeper on their men’s Test debut – after Blundell’s unbeaten 107 against West Indies in 2017, and Luke Ronchi’s 88 against England two years earlier.
Meanwhile, Conway’s contribution of 60 marked his 13th half-century, and first against the Windies.
