A glowing century by Shai Hope, ably supported by Justin Greaves, had the West Indies 212 for 4 at stumps on Friday and clinging to the distant probability that it may possibly save the primary Take a look at in opposition to New Zealand in Christchurch.
Hope was 116 not out and Greaves 55, with the pair placing on 140 for the fifth wicket after the West Indies have been in dire straits at 72 for 4.
New Zealand want six extra wickets with the brand new ball six overs away whereas the West Indies, set a mammoth 531-run goal, want an additional 319 runs.
The vacationers’ trigger was helped by accidents to New Zealand’s tempo ranks, which have pressured captain Tom Latham to be inventive with how he manages his bowlers.
A aspect pressure sidelined seamer Nathan Smith for the rest of the Take a look at, and lead bowler Matt Henry was restricted to 11 overs due to a hamstring challenge.
That introduced off-spinner Michael Bracewell and part-timer Rachin Ravindra into the assault earlier and longer than anticipated.
However that takes nothing away from the cussed efficiency of Hope, who’s having fun with a purple patch regardless of battling an eye fixed an infection, with 56 within the first innings and coming to New Zealand off a century in opposition to India.
Hope is having fun with a purple patch regardless of battling an eye fixed an infection, with 56 within the first innings and coming to New Zealand off a century in opposition to India.
| Photograph Credit score:
AFP
Hope is having fun with a purple patch regardless of battling an eye fixed an infection, with 56 within the first innings and coming to New Zealand off a century in opposition to India.
| Photograph Credit score:
AFP
He performed briskly with 15 fours and one six, and the delight was evident when he raised his bat after driving Ravindra to the covers for a single to convey up his century.
Greaves performed his assist position admirably, providing two faint edges however each fell properly in need of the slip cordon.
After the West Indies went to lunch at 11-0, New Zealand dominated the second session with 4 wickets. Jacob Duffy eliminated John Campbell for 15 within the second over after lunch, and Bracewell held the catch diving in entrance of first slip.
Firstly of his subsequent over, Duffy had Tagenarine Chanderpaul caught behind for six. Proper-arm spinner Bracewell picked up a simple wicket when he accounted for Alick Athanaze (5).
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A mild long-hop which ought to have been despatched to the boundary went as an alternative to Zak Foulkes at mid-on. Henry made a quick return to the assault to eliminated captain Roston Chase for 4.
New Zealand resumed the day at 417 for 4 and added 49 runs in an hour earlier than Kemar Roach ended the innings, taking a return catch from Duffy (10).
Roach additionally took the wickets of Bracewell and Henry to complete with 5-78.
The New Zealand innings closed with 466 for eight with the injured Tom Blundell (hamstring) and Smith unable to bat and unsure for the second Take a look at, which begins in Wellington subsequent Wednesday.
Revealed on Dec 05, 2025
