A 130 run partnership between Henry Nicholls and Todd Astle has given the Black Caps a very competitive total at the second One Day International in Christchurch.
The West Indies need 326 runs to level the 3 match series.
The West Indies need 326 runs to level the 3 match series.
The visitors had New Zealand in a spot of bother at 186 for 5 but Nicholls, who ended with an unbeaten 83, more than steadied the ship.
He was supported by Astle, who fell one run short of what would have been a well deserved half century.
The West Indies won the toss and elected to field.
Openers George Worker and Colin Munro both made starts, the former making 58 off 53.
Ross Taylor brought up another half century but when he was dismissed for 57 in the 33rd over, the Black Caps needed to rebuild.
Coming in at a tough time Nicholls anchored the middle of the innings.
His partnership with Astle flourished and allowed New Zealand to post a very competitive score.
The West Indies will need to score at 6 and a half runs an over and do it without master blaster Chris Gayle, who's still sidelined with illness.
Windies bowlers Sheldon Cottrell finished with 3 for 62, and Jason Holder 2 for 52.
