NZ vs WI 1st Test: The first match of the three-match Test series between New Zealand and the West Indies was played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. When the match reached the 4th innings, it was expected that New Zealand would easily win, as they had set a massive target of 531 runs. However, the West Indies created history by chasing the target for 163 overs, making the Kiwi bowlers toil for every wicket and ultimately drawing the match.
NZ vs WI 1st Test Draw: New Zealand Declares Innings
New Zealand scored 231 runs in their first innings and declared their second innings at 466 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. Thus, the West Indies, who were all out for 167 runs in the first innings, were given a mountainous target of 531 runs in the 4th innings. In the second innings for the Kiwis, Tom Latham scored a brilliant 145 runs, and Rachin Ravindra scored 176 runs.
On the other hand, when the West Indies started chasing this huge target, they lost 4 wickets for just 72 runs. At this point, their hopes of winning seemed to be fading. The Caribbean team looked completely on the back foot. But then Shai Hope took charge and played a magnificent innings of 116* runs until the end of the fourth day, while Justin Greaves remained unbeaten on 55*. Both shared a 140-run partnership.
NZ vs WI: The Final Day of the 1st Test
On the final day, the West Indies resumed their innings from a score of 212/4. The hosts, New Zealand, needed only 6 wickets to win. But the tremendous batting display shown by the Caribbean batsmen after that will be remembered for a long time.
On the last day, Shai Hope was dismissed after scoring 140 runs.
But Justin Greaves held one end and scored his first double century of his career. He was supported by Kemar Roach during this time. Greaves scored an unbeaten 202* off 388 balls, while Roach added 58* runs off 233 deliveries. West Indies batted for a total of 163.3 overs in their second innings, securing a draw.
New Zealand managed only two wickets on the final day. They even took the new ball after 80 overs, but the resilience shown by the West Indies batsmen was remarkable.
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