West Indies looked to be in total control on day one of their first Test against New Zealand, but Kane Williamson and Michael Bracewell helped level the field.

On a rain-affected day, the tourists started strongly, taking nine wickets, but New Zealand found their footing to avoid an early end to their innings.

Devon Conway was dismissed for a duck just three balls into the day, with Kemar Roach (2-47), playing his first Test since January, helping them to make the best possible start.

Williamson's 52 pushed the hosts forward after their early wobble, though, before he and Tom Latham (24) were dismissed in quick succession by Justin Greaves (2-35).

West Indies continued to limit New Zealand, who slumped to 148-6 before Bracewell and Nathan Smith's 52-run partnership for the seventh wicket breathed new life into the Black Caps.

The latter was eventually caught to halt New Zealand at 200, with Bracewell (47) caught off debutant Ojay Shields' (2-34) bowling four overs later.

New Zealand will resume at 231-9 on day two, with Zakary Foulkes and Jacob Duffy, both on four runs apiece, hoping to make a grandstand finish to the innings.

Exploited the conditions on a day for the bowlers #NZvWI | #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/hDuvXyF3f3

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) December 2, 2025

Data Debrief: Hard to split

Things looked to be going so well for West Indies in the second session, with Johann Layne and Shields both taking their maiden Test wickets by dismissing Will Young and Tom Blundell, respectively.

However, New Zealand's lower order ensured they would not be bowled out for under 200, setting up an intriguing clash in Christchurch.

Despite the hosts' resurgence, West Indies are still in a good position to end their recent winless streak, having gone nine Tests without a win and losing each of the last two.