Kiwis Hold on For a Draw

Antigua: The Blackcaps have plenty to think about ahead of the first Test after fighting hard to secure a draw against the West Indies President’s XI in the three-day warm-up match at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua.

Neil Wagner and Daniel Vettori mopped up the tail early this morning to dismiss the home side for 326 with New Zealand starting their second inning 177 runs behind.

The batsmen struggled for rhythm throughout the match, reaching 149 in the first innings before scrapping their way to 181 for eight in their second attempt with their patience tested twice on the neighbouring wicket to the one that will accompany them for the upcoming Test match starting Wednesday (Thursday NZ time).

The top order failed to forge a significant partnership with the new-ball bowlers removing Daniel Flynn for one and Martin Guptill for seven.

More application was shown by Brendon McCullum who struck 51 while Ross Taylor made 19 and Kane Williamson hit 25.   Dean Brownlie (five) and Daniel Vettori (two) missed out.

Kruger van Wyk, who came to the crease at 135 for seven, then struck a fighting 38 not out to prop up the batting effort and help push New Zealand past the West Indies first innings total.

The wicket-keeper batsman, who scored an important 34 in the first innings, was supported by tail-enders Tarun Nethula and Neil Wagner who resisted a West Indies bowling attack on a wicket that had variable bounce and turn.

Plenty of credit has to go to Wagner who only scored five unbeaten runs but faced 57 balls and stayed at the crease for an hour during a vital a ninth wicket partnership worth 23 runs.

Tall West Indian spinner, Shane Shillingford, was the most dangerous of the bowling attack, picking up five for 77.

Earlier, a stunning catch by van Wyk helped Neil Wagner collect the wicket of Veerasammy Permaul for 17.

Vettori then closed out the inning by trapping Kemar Roach in front for one before having Shillington caught in the deep for 25.

The wily spinner ended up with six for 48 while Wagner impressed with three for 65.

Brief scores
New Zealanders 149 and 181 for 8 (McCullum 51, Shillingford 5-77)
West Indies Board President's XI 326 (Deonarine 106, Chanderpaul 51, Vettori 6-48, Wagner 3-65)
Result Draw