NZ v WI 2020: Henry Nicholls scores ton as New Zealand ends Day 1 with their noses slightly ahead

Nicholls made an unbeaten 117 to take Kiwis from 78/3 to 294/6 by the close of play.

By Kashish Chadha - 11 Dec, 2020

A late-order resurgence led by Henry Nicholls helped New Zealand end Day 1 of the second Test against West Indies in the ascendency. 

Walking in to bat with the Kiwis struggling at 78/3 after being put in on a green track in Wellington upon losing the toss, Nicholls made an unbeaten hundred and controlled one end to allow the home team to finish with 294/6 by the close of play. 

Read Also: Kane Williamson takes quick u-turn; to miss the second Test in Wellington

The left-hander returned to the shed 117 not out, having struck an important sixth Test hundred for his country. 

Nicholls found decent support in the middle-order from BJ Watling (30) and then all-rounder Daryl Mitchell (42). 

Earlier on, the Kiwis did feel the absence of their best batter Kane Williamson as the visitors went past their top-order quite cheaply. 

Stand-in captain Tom Latham (27) and fellow-opener Tom Blundell (14) fell early and while Will Young (43) got a start, the newcomer couldn't sadly capitalise on it from the home team's perspective. 

Shannon Gabriel (3/57), Chemar Holder (2/65) and Alzarri Joseph (1/65) were among the wickets but the Calypso Kings will be disappointed not have built further inroads after the start they got, allowing Nicholls & co to forge a fantastic recovery. 

Brief scores: 

New Zealand 294/6 in 84 overs (Henry Nicholls 117*, Will Young 43; Shannon Gabriel 3/57, Chemar Holder 2/65) versus West Indies on Day 1 of the 2nd Test 

By Kashish Chadha - 11 Dec, 2020

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