Gayle, Powell send Kiwis on leather hunt in Antigua Test

Antigua (West Indies), July 27 (ANI): West Indian openers Chris Gayle Kieran Powell powered West Indies to 145 for no loss in reply to New Zealand's 351 all out at stumps on day two of the first Test in Antigua.

Gayle was batting on 85, while Powell was unbeaten on 58.

Gayle, who was playing his first Test since December 2010, cracked 12 fours and a six off 124 balls as he closed in on a 14th Test century at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Fellow left-hander Powell's third Test half century spanned 164 balls and included 10 boundaries, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Gayle was dropped at point by Daniel Flynn off Doug Bracewell on 36 and made the Black Caps pay with some majestic strokes all around the ground.

Powell was equally assured, his only real blemish being on 11, when he edged debutant seamer Neil Wagner just out of the reach of Martin Guptill at second slip.

Earlier, off spinner Sunil Narine claimed 5-132 in his debut Test as the Black Caps stretched their overnight total from 4-232 to 351.

Pacers Ravi Rampaul ended with 2-44 and fellow pacer Kemar Roach took 2-55 to provide solid support. (ANI)