Brathwaite carries Windies

New Zealand

A patient half-century from opener Kraigg Brathwaite pushed the West Indies to a burgeoning score of 169 for two – in reply to New Zealand's 293 all out – on a rain-affected day two of the third and final Test at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Friday.

A patient half-century from opener Kraigg Brathwaite pushed the West Indies to a burgeoning score of 169 for two – in reply to New Zealand's 293 all out – on a rain-affected day two of the third and final Test at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Friday's inclement weather allowed for a mere 33 overs and two deliveries, as Brathwaite, fellow opener Chris Gayle and the talented Kirk Edwards reduced the first-innings deficit to 124 runs.

The hard work put in by spinner Sulieman Benn and fast bowler Kemar Roach, who snared five and four wickets respectively on the opening day, was well complemented by the top order.

Gayle inched closer to 100 Test match sixes en route to a characteristically quick 42, while Brathwaite's rich run of form continued with a cool, calm and collected 68. Edwards and the left-handed Darren Bravo were later at hand for 42 not out and an unbeaten eight respectively.

Seamer Neil Wagner was the pick of the visiting attack, justifying selection ahead of leg-spinner Ish Sodhi by removing Brathwaite. Spinner Mark Craig benefited from Gayle's mishit to claim the day's only other dismissal.

The three-match series is locked after a win apiece at Sabina Park and Queen's Park Oval. More rain has been predicted for Saturday, but will hopefully steer clear to facilitate a fitting continuation to a intriguing display of Test match cricket.

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