Opener Kraigg Brathwaite hit an enterprising 68 while Chris Gayle (42) and Kirk Edwards (41 not out) also made positive contributions as West Indies reached 159-2 at lunch on the second day of the third test at Kensington Oval.

The home team, which bowled out New Zealand for 293 on day one, was still trailing by 134 runs on Friday. Right-hander Brathwaite, fresh off a maiden century in Trinidad last week, stroked 10 fours off 116 balls.

West Indies, overnight 32-0, was guided by the 21-year-old Brathwaite and veteran Gayle as their stand posted 79.

The 34-year-old Gayle characteristically smashed six fours and a six before off-spinner Mark Craig made the first breakthrough as the big Jamaican left-hander holed out to long-off.

But New Zealand’s joy was shortlived as Brathwaite and Edwards, two Barbadians in front of their home fans, shared a second wicket stand of 74 in an hour.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 293 (Jimmy Neesham 78; Sulieman Benn 5-93, Kemar Roach 4-61) vs. West Indies 159-2 (Kraigg Brathwaite 68, Chris Gayle 42, Kirk Edwards 41 not out; Neil Wagner 1-10).