Kavem Hodge’s maiden test century was the defining feature as West Indies battled on to 381 for 6 on day three of the third Test, still trailing New Zealand by 194 runs. With Shai Hope unwell and Kemar Roach hampered by a hamstring injury, the visitors relied heavily on Hodge and his supporting cast to keep the fight alive in Mount Maunganui’s slow-burning thriller.
Hodge, unbeaten on 109, showcased patience, precision, and power. After surviving early edges and self-doubt, the sports science graduate methodically constructed his innings, punishing loose deliveries while maintaining a rock-solid defence. His pull shots and crisp square-of-the-wicket strokes brought life to the innings, underlining his adaptability against a disciplined New Zealand attack.
Tevin Imlach, stepping in for Hope, contributed 27 with intent, while Alick Athanaze impressed with 45 off 57, using the back-foot to dispatch deliveries with authority. Justin Greaves added 43, but was eventually dismissed by Daryl Mitchell, leaving West Indies with four wickets in hand but questions over the availability of key players.
New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Jacob Duffy and Ajaz Patel, maintained relentless discipline in the final session. Duffy’s 144kph bursts and Patel’s drifting, looping deliveries tested the West Indies’ technique, while Michael Rae and Zak Foulkes held the line under mounting pressure. Despite the slow pitch, New Zealand refused to relent, making every run and every partnership hard-earned.
The day ended with West Indies still behind, but Hodge’s century, and the resilience of Athanaze and Greaves, ensures the contest remains alive. With two days left, the match promises a strategic battle between patient accumulation and calculated aggression, as West Indies seek to claw back into a series where New Zealand have dominated but can not yet relax.
Scorecard snapshot:
New Zealand 1st Innings: 575/8 dec (Conway 227, Latham 137, Ravindra 72*)
End of Day 3: West Indies 1st Innings: 381/6 (Hodge 109*, King 63, Campbell 45) – trail by 194 runs
