New Zealand opening pair of Devon Conway and Tom Latham scripted history in Test cricket. Conway and Latham became are first openers to score a century each in both innings of a Test. The feat had never been achieved in 148 years of Test cricket.
In the first innings, Conway and Latham shared a 323-run opening partnership. Skipper Latham scored 137 whereas Conway went on to score 227. The hosts posted 575/8 before Latham declared.
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After Kavem Hodge's unbeaten 123 helped West Indies post 420, New Zealand openers were at it again. Conway scored 100 whereas Latham scored 101 in BlackCaps' second innings to etch their name in Test record books. On Day 4 of the third Test at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, the hosts declared after posting 306/2 from 54 overs. They set a target of 462 for the visitors.
Conway hit three sixes and eight fours in his 100 off 139 balls. The centurion of West Indies' first innings, Kavem Hodge got the breakthrough. The Kiwi openers shared a 192-run opening partnership. His opening partner Latham hit nine fours and two sixes in his 101 off 130 deliveries. Hodge dismissed him as well.
Kane Wiliamson and Rachin Ravindra walked in with an attacking mindset. They shared an unbeaten 72-run partnership for the third wicket from just 37 balls. Williamson hit two fours and a six in his unbeaten 37-ball 40. Ravindra hit four sixes in his 23-ball 46.
Openers get West Indies off to ideal start
At the end of Day 4's play, West Indies were 43 for no loss after 16 overs. Campbell faced 50 deliveries to score just two runs. On the other end, Brandon king hit seven fours in his unbeaten 46-ball 37.
The visitors need 419 more runs to win and draw the series 1-1. In the first Test, West Indies posted 457/6 and were able to draw the match.
Will West Indies script history on Day 5?
West Indies will have to script history to win their first Test of the current World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. They hold the record for highest successful run chase. In 2003, they chased down 418 with three wickets in hand against Australia.