Day 4 exploded into life at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, where the West Indies walked out burdened by pressure and staring at a near-impossible chase, with New Zealand’s towering lead stretching to 530 runs. The hosts powered their way to 466/8 before injuries forced an early declaration, but the Windies found a spark of belief when veteran pacer Kemar Roach tore through the Kiwi lineup to claim his 12th Test five-wicket haul. With the afternoon sun beating down and the surface beginning to flatten, openers John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul showed early grit, surviving 11 tense overs to reach 20/0 at Lunch, planting the first seeds of a potential miracle.
The script flipped dramatically after the break as the Kiwi attack stormed back with renewed aggression. Jacob Duffy struck twice in quick succession, removing both openers with perfect seam bowling, while spin and pace combined to dismiss Alick Athanaze and skipper Roston Chase cheaply. Amid the collapse, Shai Hope stood tall as a lone warrior, unfazed by the pressure, bringing up a gritty half-century. He found crucial support in Justin Greaves, guiding West Indies to Tea at 72/4.
The final session belonged entirely to the visitors. With New Zealand losing energy in the field and pacer Matt Henry sidelined due to a calf strain—an absence that proved pivotal—Hope and Greaves built a brilliant unbroken 140-run partnership, steering their side to 212/4 at Stumps, cutting the target to 319 runs more for victory. The pair showed admirable composure and intent, flipping a precarious situation into a contest now balanced on a knife’s edge.
Session Summary: 34 overs, 105 runs, no wickets lost — a powerful statement of resilience from the West Indies.
As the final day awaits, all three results remain firmly possible. New Zealand will hope for Henry’s return and a fresh burst of pace to break the stand, while West Indies cling to belief through Hope and Greaves’ heroics.
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