Wellington Test Day 2: New Zealand reach 216/5 before bad light forces early stumps

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Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor shared a crucial 93-run partnership as New Zealand reached 216 for five in their first innings against India before bad light forced early stumps on the second day of the first Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Saturday. 

At the end of the second day's play, New Zealand have taken a 51-run lead over India, with BJ Watling and Colin de Grandhomme batting at the crease at their respective scores of 14* and 4*. 

Earlier, India resumed the day at 122 for five, with Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant batting at their respective scores of 38 and 10.

However, the duo failed to stay for long at the crease on Day 2 and were dismissed for 46 and 19 respectively by debutant Kyle Jamieson and Ajaz Patel. 

Ravichandran Ashwin (0) and Ishant Sharma (5) too departed cheaply before fast bowler Mohammad Shami contributed crucial 21 runs off 20 balls with the bat while batting lower down the order. The Virat Kohli-led side was eventually bundled out for 165. 

Jamieson and Tim Southee were the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand with four wickets each while Trent Boult also chipped in with a wicket. 

In reply, Ishant Sharma struck twice to remove New Zealand openers Tom Latham (11) and Tom Blundell (30) inside 73 runs. Subsequently, Williamson (89) and Taylor (44) stitched a 93-run stand for the third wicket to put New Zealand in commanding position.

However, Mohammad Shami and Ravichandran Ashwin struck late to stage a fightback for India and reduce New Zealand to 216/5. Check the scores here