In a riveting display of resilience and determination, Justin Greaves has anchored West Indies’ fightback with an unbeaten century as the visitors battle to save the first Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. At stumps on Day 4, West Indies stood at 212 for 4 in 74 overs, with Greaves on 55 not out and Shai Hope unbeaten on 116. The Caribbean side still trails by 319 runs but has successfully dragged the match into a dramatic fifth day, defying what appeared to be an inevitable four-day defeat.

The contest has now stretched into its final day on December 6, 2025, with West Indies reaching 338 for 6 in 114 overs during the second session. Greaves has blossomed into the hero of the hour, converting his overnight fifty into a magnificent 118 not out off 259 deliveries, while veteran pacer Kemar Roach provides valuable support at the other end with an unbeaten 31 off 65 balls. Together, they have forged an unbroken 61-run partnership for the seventh wicket, keeping New Zealand’s depleted bowling attack at bay and requiring the hosts to take just six more wickets to seal victory.

Hope and Greaves Lead Remarkable Rearguard Action

The foundation of West Indies’ resistance was laid on Day 4 through an extraordinary 140-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Hope and Greaves. After the visitors had crumbled to a precarious 72 for 4, staring down the barrel of a humiliating defeat, these two batsmen combined forces to stem the tide and give their team a fighting chance.

Shai Hope, who was forced off the field on Day 3 due to an eye infection, returned to the crease wearing sunglasses beneath his helmet and produced a batting masterclass. His unbeaten 116 off 139 deliveries showcased remarkable composure and technique, featuring timely boundaries and solid defensive play. The innings marked his fourth Test century and represented a seamless continuation of the defiant form he displayed against India in New Delhi in October. Hope’s knock included 15 boundaries and one six, demonstrating his ability to score runs even under immense pressure.

Justin Greaves, batting at number six, played the perfect foil to Hope’s aggression. The all-rounder reined in his natural attacking instincts to deliver a composed, almost uncharacteristically restrained performance. His 55 not out off 143 balls at stumps on Day 4 was a testament to his discipline and determination. Greaves used his height advantageously to ride the bounce against New Zealand’s pace attack, negotiating the short-ball barrage with skill and patience. When required, he also displayed his batting prowess against spin, exercising admirable judgment throughout his marathon innings.

New Zealand’s Injury Woes Mount

New Zealand’s quest for victory has been significantly hampered by a mounting injury crisis that has reduced their bowling options to a skeleton crew. The hosts, who set West Indies a daunting target of 531 runs after declaring their second innings at 466 for 8, have been forced to manage their resources carefully as key players have fallen by the wayside.

Matt Henry, one of New Zealand’s premier fast bowlers, was forced to leave the field after bowling just 11 overs on Day 4, having sustained an injury. He was subsequently taken to the hospital next door for scans, leaving captain Tom Latham with severely limited options. Nathan Smith, another pace-bowling option, did not come out to bat in New Zealand’s second innings and spent the entire innings off the field with a side strain.

Tom Blundell, the regular wicketkeeper, suffered a torn hamstring that not only ruled him out of this Test but also the upcoming second Test in Wellington. With Blundell sidelined, Latham has been pressed into service behind the stumps while simultaneously managing his bowling attack and field placements. The injury crisis has effectively reduced New Zealand to just two-and-a-half frontline bowlers, with Jacob Duffy shouldering the bulk of the pace-bowling responsibilities and part-time spinners Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell being called upon far more than originally anticipated.

Duffy and Bracewell Battle Through Limited Resources

Despite the depleted attack, New Zealand’s bowlers have fought valiantly to break through West Indies’ resistance. Jacob Duffy, who claimed a maiden five-wicket haul of 5 for 34 in the first innings, has continued to lead the pace attack admirably. On Day 4, he removed both openers cheaply after lunch, dismissing John Campbell for 15 and Tagenarine Chanderpaul for just 6 off 45 balls to leave West Indies reeling at 24 for 2.

Duffy employed clever tactics against both Hope and Greaves, setting specific field placements to target their weaknesses. Against Hope, he positioned a square leg halfway to the boundary along with a short leg and fine leg for the pull shot, testing the batsman with short-pitched deliveries. Similarly, he used the short ball against Greaves, attempting to exploit any lapses in concentration. However, both batsmen stood tall and negotiated the threat with skill and determination.

Michael Bracewell, the off-spinner pressed into extended service due to the injury crisis, has bowled 35 overs in the innings, picking up one wicket while conceding 113 runs. His dismissal of Alick Athanaze, who managed only 5 runs before toe-ending a pull shot to mid-on, proved crucial in keeping West Indies under pressure. Bracewell also accounted for Tevin Imlach, who fell lbw for 4, but has otherwise found the going tough against Hope and Greaves’ solid technique.

The Road to Day 5 and Series Context

West Indies’ courageous fightback has ensured that this first Test will extend to a fifth and final day, denying New Zealand the quick victory they sought. The visitors began their second innings trailing by 364 runs after being bowled out for 167 in response to New Zealand’s first-innings total of 231. The hosts then piled on the runs in their second dig, with Rachin Ravindra’s magnificent 176 and captain Tom Latham’s commanding 145 propelling them to 466 for 8 declared. Kemar Roach, the West Indian pace veteran, was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 5 for 78, taking his career tally to an impressive 290 Test wickets.

Set an improbable target of 531 runs, West Indies’ realistic goal shifted from chasing down the runs to batting out the remaining time and securing a draw. With approximately 90 minutes of batting required if they lose their remaining wickets quickly, the Caribbean side faces a stern test of their resolve and technique. The new ball will be available in six overs, presenting New Zealand with their best opportunity to break through and claim the six wickets they need for victory.

Historical Context and What Lies Ahead

This match represents the opening Test of a three-match series and marks the beginning of New Zealand’s World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. The Black Caps will be eager to secure a winning start, especially given their struggles in recent home Test series, where they have won just two of their last seven. For West Indies, who last won a Test in New Zealand back in 1995, the odds have always been stacked against them. However, their spirited resistance in this match has demonstrated that they possess the character and ability to compete at this level.

The second Test is scheduled to begin in Wellington on December 10, followed by the third and final Test in Mount Maunganui on December 18. New Zealand will need to address their injury concerns and potentially call up reinforcements, with Mitch Hay reportedly in line for a Test debut as wicketkeeper in Wellington.

Looking Ahead to the Final Day

As both teams prepare for the decisive fifth day’s play, the match hangs delicately in the balance. Justin Greaves, who has already battled through 259 deliveries to reach his maiden Test century of 118 not out, will need to continue his heroic resistance. Kemar Roach, with his vast experience of 86 Test matches, must provide the support necessary to frustrate New Zealand’s bowlers further.

The hosts, despite their injury woes, will be confident that the new ball and fresh morning conditions can work in their favor. Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes will be tasked with making early inroads, while Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra must continue to wheel away in hope of extracting mistakes from the tired batsmen.

The atmosphere at Hagley Oval is charged with anticipation as cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the conclusion of this absorbing contest. Can Justin Greaves and West Indies pull off a miraculous escape to save the Test, or will New Zealand’s depleted but determined attack find a way to secure victory? The final day promises to deliver edge-of-the-seat action and a fitting climax to what has already been a captivating Test match.