Brandon King provided West Indies with a rare moment of optimism after Devon Conway and Tom Latham once again dominated proceedings, leaving the visitors 419 runs away from an improbable victory at stumps on day four.
Conway and Latham etched themselves into cricketing history by becoming the first opening pair in all first-class cricket to score twin centuries in the same match, following up their monumental 323-run stand in the first innings with another opening partnership worth 192 in New Zealand’s second dig. Their efforts helped the hosts declare on 306 for 2, setting West Indies a daunting target of 462 on a pitch offering uneven and occasionally treacherous bounce.
Earlier in the day, West Indies were bowled out for 420, conceding a 155-run first-innings deficit. Kavem Hodge stood tall with a career-best unbeaten 123, shepherding the tail and offering rare resistance. Jacob Duffy led New Zealand’s bowling effort with 4 for 86, while Ajaz Patel and Michael Rae cleaned up the lower order after Hodge allowed the tailenders to absorb much of the strike.
The pitch continued to play tricks, with variable bounce a constant theme. Duffy struck early on the morning, removing Anderson Phillip with a delivery that climbed sharply, before Shai Hope, still recovering from food poisoning, fell to a mistimed pull in the same spell. Despite another rearguard from Jayden Seales, West Indies could not avoid conceding a massive lead.
New Zealand’s second innings began cautiously, with Seales posing questions with the new ball. Conway soon took control, unfurling trademark drives through the off side and using his feet expertly against spin. He reached his half-century in just 63 balls and later became the first New Zealand batter to score a double-century and a century in the same Test.
Latham, initially subdued, accelerated superbly after settling in, mixing sweeps with authoritative strokeplay off both pace and spin. He reached his 16th Test hundred before holing out to deep midwicket, once again caught brilliantly by Seales. Conway fell shortly after tea, attempting to clear the leg side, giving Hodge his first wicket of the innings.
A rapid 72-run stand between Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra further pushed New Zealand’s advantage. Williamson looked uncharacteristically awkward but still contributed a brisk 40* off 37 balls, while Ravindra found freedom against the spinners, lifting New Zealand to a commanding position before declaration.
Facing a near-impossible chase, West Indies once again turned to their openers. King was fluent and fearless, racing to 37 not out, while John Campbell played the anchor role as the pair safely negotiated the final session. Their unbeaten 43-run stand ensured West Indies would begin the final day with all ten wickets intact, small consolation, but a psychological boost nonetheless.
With three sessions remaining and history firmly against them, West Indies still face an uphill battle. But after another defiant stand from King and Campbell, they head into day five with something they have rarely enjoyed in this match: time, wickets in hand, and a flicker of belief.
New Zealand vs West Indies – Match Scorecard (at Day 4 Stumps)
New Zealand:
- 1st innings: 575 for 8 declared
- 2nd innings: 306 for 2 declared
West Indies:
- 1st innings: 420
- 2nd innings: 43 for 0
- Target: 462
West Indies need 419 runs with 10 wickets in hand.
