Shai Hope’s unbeaten 116 kept West Indies alive as they forced New Zealand into a fifth-day battle in Christchurch. West Indies closed on 212 for 4, still trailing by 319, but far from the collapse that once looked inevitable.
Hope, returning after an eye infection kept him off the field the previous day, showcased remarkable grit, adding to his first-innings 56 and registering his second century in three Tests. Beside him, Justin Greaves produced a disciplined, career-defining 55*, and together the pair added an unbroken 140-run stand that shut New Zealand out of any late-day surge.
New Zealand’s attack was severely depleted, with Nathan Smith sidelined by a side strain and Matt Henry leaving mid-innings for scans. Stand-in wicketkeeper Tom Latham had to lean heavily on Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell’s part-time spin, leaving Jacob Duffy as the only specialist seamer standing. On a flat Hagley Oval pitch, Hope and Greaves absorbed pressure expertly, denying the hosts despite targeted short-ball plans.
Earlier, West Indies had slumped to 72 for 4 after Chanderpaul, Campbell, Athanaze and Chase fell cheaply against sharp new-ball spells. But the fifth-wicket pair shut the door firmly, ensuring the match heads to a final day, even if the 531-run chase remains unrealistic.
New Zealand began the day by batting on, with Kemar Roach completing a superb 5 for 78, taking his Test tally to 290 wickets.
