NZ vs WI (1st Test) – Highlights
The first Test between NZ and WI at Christchurch will go down in history as a contest of fluctuating fortunes that culminated in one of the most resilient batting displays in recent memory. What began as a bowler-dominated affair featuring fragile top orders transformed into a high-scoring stalemate, leaving New Zealand frustrated and West Indies jubilant. While the Black Caps dominated the majority of the match, a heroic unbeaten double century from Justin Greaves ensured the visitors walked away with a hard-fought draw.
NZ batted first on a surface that offered assistance to the seamers, scraping their way to 231. Kane Williamson provided the only substantial resistance with a gritty half-century, while the West Indies bowling attack hunted as a pack. In response, the West Indies batting lineup crumbled against the swing and seam of the hosts. Jacob Duffy was the destroyer-in-chief, claiming a magnificent five-wicket haul that routed the visitors for just 167. With a significant first-innings lead, New Zealand seemed to have one hand on the trophy, looking to bat the opposition out of the game in the third innings.
The second innings saw New Zealand at their ruthless best. Captain Tom Latham led from the front with a marathon 145, anchoring the innings beautifully. However, it was Rachin Ravindra who stole the show, blasting 176 at a strike rate touching 95 to demoralize the West Indies attack. Despite a valiant five-wicket haul from veteran Kemar Roach, New Zealand declared on a mammoth 466 for 8, setting the West Indies an improbable target of 531 runs for victory.
When the WI slipped to 72 for 4 in their chase, an early finish seemed inevitable. The New Zealand bowlers, led by Duffy and Matt Henry, were running riot. However, the script was flipped by a monumental partnership between Shai Hope and Justin Greaves. Hope played a sublime knock of 140, countering the aggression of the Kiwi bowlers with elegant stroke play. His departure brought Tevin Imlach to the crease, but another quick wicket left the visitors staring down the barrel at 277 for 6, still miles away from safety.
Enter Kemar Roach, who joined Greaves for a defiance that will be spoken of for years. Greaves was immovable, compiling a career-defining 202 not out. He found an able partner in Roach, who shelved his bowling instincts to play a pure defensive block-a-thon. Roach faced an astounding 233 balls for his unbeaten 58, frustrating the New Zealand attack for hours. The pair batted out the remainder of the game, steering West Indies to 457 for 6 when the captains shook hands. Justin Greaves was rightfully named Player of the Match for his all-round efforts and his match-saving double ton.
New Zealand vs West Indies Scoreboard
New Zealand – 231 & 466/8d
West Indies – (T:531) 167 & 457/6
Result – Match drawn
Player of the Match – Justin Greaves
Justin Greaves
NZ vs WI Playing XIs
New Zealand | Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy |
West Indies | John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, Kemar Roach, Johann Layne, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
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