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Day four of the first Test at Hagley Oval concluded with the West Indies refusing to surrender, led by a magnificent century from Shai Hope and resolute support from Justin Greaves. Despite facing an overwhelming target, the visitors reached 212 for 4 by stumps, needing 319 runs on the final day to secure a stunning victory.
New Zealand’s Declaration and Target Setting
New Zealand began the day in a dominant position, having established a commanding lead after their aggressive second innings batting.
- NZ Declaration: The Black Caps declared their second innings at 466 for 8 (inferred total after adding Day 4 runs), setting the West Indies a massive target of 531 runs—a monumental task in Test cricket.
- NZ Bowling Card: The high score was made possible by the early damage done by Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy on Day 2, who bowled the West Indies out for a paltry 167 in the first innings.
West Indies’ Determined Fightback
The fourth-innings chase began disastrously, mirroring the team’s first-innings woes.
Top Order Turmoil: The West Indies top order quickly faltered. John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, and Alick Athanaze all departed cheaply, unable to withstand the pressure of the new ball. The dismissal of captain Roston Chase left the visitors reeling at a highly vulnerable 72 for 4.
Hope and Greaves Stand Firm: Facing a looming collapse, Shai Hope and Justin Greaves launched a spectacular counterattack, shifting the momentum of the day. The pair compiled an unbroken 140-run partnership off 273 deliveries, absorbing enormous pressure from the New Zealand bowlers.
Hope’s Century: Hope delivered a captain’s knock, registering a magnificent unbeaten 116 runs (off 183 balls) and anchoring the chase. Greaves showed incredible discipline, finishing the day on a solid 55 not out.
Final Day Challenge
The West Indies need another 319 runs with six wickets in hand on the final day. While the target remains massive, the unbroken 140-run partnership and the batting resilience shown by Hope and Greaves have significantly boosted the team’s morale, turning the final day into a genuine contest between the West Indies’ belief and New Zealand’s relentless pace attack.
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