New Zealand set up a thrilling finish to the third Test by declaring their second innings and handing West Indies a daunting target of 462, before the hosts reached 43 without loss at the end of Day 4.
With the pitch still offering good value for shots but showing occasional uneven bounce, the stage is set for an absorbing final day with all three results firmly in contention.
West Indies negotiated a tricky late-evening session with composure. Brandon King showcased his class with a series of elegant strokes, while John Campbell relied on solid defence to safely guide the innings through a testing 16-over phase.
The pair ensured no damage was done, keeping hopes alive as the hosts now need 419 runs to script a remarkable victory.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand tightened their grip by quickly mopping up the West Indies tail in the morning session. Jacob Duffy spearheaded the effort, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 86, as the visitors were bowled out for 420. Kavem Hodge remained the standout performer, ending unbeaten on 123 after a resolute innings.
Holding a 155-run first-innings lead, New Zealand dictated terms in their third innings. Openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham started cautiously before accelerating once the ball softened. In a historic feat, both batters went on to score centuries in both innings of the match, falling soon after reaching their landmarks but laying a commanding platform.
Devon Conway and Tom Latham etched their names into Test history by becoming the first pair of openers in men’s cricket to score centuries in both innings of the same Test match. The New Zealand duo dominated the game from the top, showing remarkable consistency and control across both innings. Together, Conway and Latham amassed a staggering 565 runs in the match, setting a new record for the highest aggregate by a team’s opening pair in a single Test, and laying the foundation for New Zealand’s strong push for a result heading into the final day.
Capitalising on the momentum, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson injected urgency, adding 72 runs in just 37 balls, prompting a calculated declaration. New Zealand batting coach Luke Ronchi later explained the move, stating it was designed to give the bowlers enough time to take ten wickets while limiting West Indies’ opportunity to chase down the total.
As the match heads into Day 5, the equation is straightforward: West Indies need 419 runs, New Zealand need 10 wickets, and a draw remains a realistic outcome given the nature of the surface. With the pitch largely true and pressure mounting, an exciting final day of Test cricket awaits.
3rd Test | Day 4 – Stumps
New Zealand 1st Innings: 575
West Indies 1st Innings: 420
New Zealand 2nd Innings (declared):
Devon Conway – 101
Tom Latham – 100
Rachin Ravindra – 46*
Kane Williamson – 40*
Target: 462
West Indies 2nd Innings (stumps):
Brandon King – 37*
John Campbell – 2*
Score: 43/0 (16 overs)
Image credit: X/Blackcaps
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