Cricket: Windies' march forward stopped as rain draws in

Rain stalled West Indies’ progress on the second day of the second Test against New Zealand, allowing only 55 minutes of play in the second session at Seddon Park on Sunday.

Resuming from 24 for one lunch, West Indies had reached 87 for two when the rains arrived, keeping players off the field at the scheduled tea break.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite was unbeaten on 45 and was accompanied by stroke-maker Shai Hope on 14.

The only casualty of the truncated session was left-hander Shimron Hetmyer who perished for 28 about half-hour after lunch.

Unbeaten on 10 at the break, Hetmyer struck four fours and a six off 42 deliveries before jabbing a return catch back to left-arm seamer Trent Boult.

Hope then arrived to add 41 for the third wicket with Brathwaite, who has so far struck seven fours and a six in an unusually breezy 59-ball knock.

Left-hander Kieran Powell had perished before lunch without scoring, after New Zealand were dismissed for 373 from their overnight 286 for seven, 45 minutes before the first interval.