Bravo slams 135 against New Zealand 'A'

A masterful knock of 135 from Darren Bravo propelled the West Indies to a 21-run lead at stumps on the second day of their three-day warm-up match against New Zealand 'A' at John Davies Oval in Queenstown on Saturday.

Shamarh Brooks provided ample support with 80 while opener Kraigg Brathwaite scored 47 which took the visitors to 329/6 in reply to the home side’s first innings total of 308/3 declared.

The left-handed Bravo smashed 13 fours and five sixes from 214 balls in his innings of over four and a half hours in the middle. The 31-year old started the second day’s play on eight but raced towards his century by taking a liking to Black Caps spinner Michael Rippon.

Bravo forged a second wicket partnership of 112 with overnight partner Brathwaite, who made 47 off 110 balls. He then teamed up with Brooks for a 122-run third wicket stand before the former fell for 135 caught by Sean Solia off Rachin Ravindra’s bowling.

Brooks combined with skipper Roston Chase (42) to bolster the innings by adding 71 while Jermaine Blackwood scored eight. Chase was the final wicket to fall on the second day bowled by Solia (1/32).

The third and final day of the first warm-up match is Sunday. The second warm-up match is a four-day fixture and bowls off on Wednesday at Queenstown.

The first Test between New Zealand and WI starts on December 3 at Seddon Park in Hamilton and the second Test begins on December 11 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

Summarised Scores

NEW ZEALAND ‘A’ 308-3 dec – Rachin Ravindra 112, Henry Nicholls 76, Devon Conway 46 not out, Joe Carter 41 not out, Will Young 27 vs WEST INDIES 329-6 – Darren Bravo 135, Shamarh Brooks 80, Kraigg Brathwaite 47, Roston Chase 42.