LINCOLN, New Zealand – The West Indies batting line-up delivered a powerful statement on Tuesday, piling up 346 for five at stumps on the opening day of their lone two-day warm-up fixture against a New Zealand XI.
Four batsmen reached half-centuries, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s composed 85 setting the tone. Brandon King rediscovered his touch with a lively 79, John Campbell chipped in with 68, and Kavem Hodge closed unbeaten on 55, giving the regional side valuable time in the middle ahead of their upcoming assignment.
Opening partnership sets foundation
Openers Campbell and Chanderpaul laid the groundwork with a fluent 130-run stand. Campbell, who faced 98 deliveries and struck nine fours and one six, eventually feathered a catch off Thomas O’Connor, ending a confident innings that steadied the early proceedings.
Chanderpaul continued to accumulate steadily, forming another productive partnership worth 77 runs with King before retiring out. His patient knock spanned 211 balls and featured five fours and two sixes, showcasing his trademark resilience and concentration.
King’s return to form
King, who had endured a recent dip in performance, signaled a timely resurgence. He accelerated the scoring rate with an eye-catching 79 from just 91 deliveries, peppering the boundary 12 times. His innings ended when leg-spinner Rahman Hekmat held a return catch, stopping what appeared to be a rapidly building threat.
Tevin Imlach (25) and Alick Athanaze (23) both made promising starts but failed to convert. Hodge, however, remained resolute, batting through to the close. His unbeaten 55 came off 102 balls and included five boundaries, providing solidity as the day drew to a close.
