Rain curtails second day`s play in Bridgetown Test

Bridgetown, Barbados: Persistent rain has forced the abandonment of the second day of the decisive third cricket Test between West Indies and New Zealand here Friday.

Rain halted play at Kensington Oval at 1.03 p.m. and continued unabated, keeping players and officials off the field, reports CMC. With dark clouds hovering and the inclement weather showing no signs of easing, match officials took the decision at 4.17 p.m. to abandon play. Only 5.2 overs were possible after lunch with West Indies reaching 169 for two. Kirk Edwards was unbeaten on 42 and was partnered by left-hander Darren Bravo on eight. The Windies reached lunch on 159 for two, with opener Kraigg Brathwaite having top scored with 68 and his partner Chris Gayle getting 42. New Zealand: 293 (Jimmy Neesham 78, Mark Craig 46 not out, Ross Taylor 45, Kane Williamson 43, Brendon McCullum 31; Sulieman Benn 5/93, Kemar Roach 4/61) West Indies: 169 for two (Kraigg Brathwaite 68, Chris Gayle 42, Kirk Edwards batting 42, Darren Bravo batting 8;; Neil Wagner 1/10).