Christchurch, December 6, 2025 – The first Test of the West Indies tour of New Zealand ended in a hard-fought draw after five days of enthralling cricket at Hagley Oval. Both teams showcased resilience, skill, and stamina, but it was West Indies’ Justin Greaves who stole the spotlight with a brilliant all-round performance, scoring a patient 202* and taking 2/35 in the first innings, earning him the Player of the Match award.
New Zealand’s Rollercoaster Batting
New Zealand’s first innings got off to a shaky start, bundled out for 231. Devon Conway fell for a duck, and Tom Latham (24) and Kane Williamson (52) tried to stabilize the innings but were unable to convert starts into big scores. Michael Bracewell (47) and Tom Blundell (29) offered some resistance, but Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales wreaked havoc with the ball.
In response, West Indies struggled initially, all out for 167 in 75.4 overs, with Jacob Duffy taking 5 wickets. Shai Hope (56) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (52) were the main contributors with the bat, but disciplined New Zealand bowling kept the visitors under check.
New Zealand Fight Back
New Zealand’s second innings was a masterclass in patience and application. Tom Latham scored a commanding 145 before falling to Roach, while Rachin Ravindra’s 176 powered New Zealand to a mammoth 466/8 declared. Devon Conway (37) and Will Young (23) also contributed valuable runs, giving the hosts a formidable target of 531 for West Indies to chase.
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Greaves’ Heroics Rescue West Indies
Chasing 531, West Indies were in a tight spot but Greaves produced a heroic innings, blunting New Zealand’s attack with remarkable composure. His 202* anchored the innings as Shai Hope (140) supported with a classy century. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, West Indies battled through to 457/6, ensuring the Test ended in a draw. Kemar Roach (58*) provided handy lower-order support, frustrating New Zealand’s bowlers with his experience.
Match Flow and Key Moments
- Duffy’s 5-wicket haul in the first innings was a standout for New Zealand.
- Greaves’ patient 202* was crucial in saving the match for West Indies.
- Rachin Ravindra’s 176 in the second innings was the backbone of New Zealand’s imposing total.
- Despite dominant batting performances from both sides, the match’s high-scoring nature and slow over rates meant neither team could force a result.
Looking Ahead
The series is now level at 0-0, with both teams earning 4 points each in the ICC World Test Championship. This draw sets the stage for an exciting 2nd Test, where bowlers will need to find more ways to penetrate stubborn batting line-ups, and batters will aim to convert their starts into match-defining innings.
In the end, the Hagley Oval witnessed a five-day showcase of grit, skill, and endurance, with Justin Greaves’ performance destined to be remembered as the highlight of a closely contested opener.
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