Shai Hope's Century Sparks West Indies' Resilience Against New Zealand

West Indies Fight Back on Day 4

On Day 4 of the first Test, veteran batsman Shai Hope delivered an impressive century, leading West Indies in a spirited comeback against New Zealand. By the end of the day, West Indies had reached 212 runs for the loss of four wickets in 74 overs, with Hope scoring 116 not out and Justin Greaves contributing an unbeaten 55. The team now needs 319 more runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series.

New Zealand's Innings Concludes with a High Target

The day commenced with New Zealand resuming their second innings at 414 for 4, with Will Young and Michael Bracewell at the crease. West Indies pacer Jayden Seales quickly dismissed Young for 23 runs. Following this, Zakary Foulkes and Bracewell attempted to accelerate the scoring, but Kemar Roach ended Bracewell's innings at 24 runs. Roach also claimed the wicket of Matt Henry, marking his 290th Test wicket, and completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Jacob Duffy. New Zealand was all out for 466, setting a daunting target of 531 runs for West Indies.

West Indies Struggle in the Chase

West Indies managed to survive a critical 11 overs, reaching 20 without loss at lunch. However, the second session saw Jacob Duffy remove both openers, John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, quickly, leaving the team at 25 for 2. Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze attempted to stabilize the innings, but Athanaze fell for just 5 runs, and Roston Chase was dismissed for 5, leaving West Indies in a precarious position at 72 for 4.

Hope's Century Fuels Recovery

Despite facing challenges from the New Zealand bowlers, Hope remained resilient and reached his fourth Test century off 139 balls. He and Greaves formed a solid partnership, with Hope hitting three boundaries in one over against Duffy. By tea, the score was 107 for 4, with Hope on 57 and Greaves on 16. After the break, both players continued to score freely, with Hope achieving his century in the 57th over and Greaves reaching his fifty in the 68th over. Their partnership of 140 runs for the fifth wicket showcased West Indies' determination before stumps.

Summary of the First Innings

In the first innings, New Zealand, led by a half-century from Kane Williamson, was bowled out for 231. West Indies' bowlers, including Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales, were instrumental in this performance. In response, West Indies struggled and were all out for 167, with Chanderpaul and Hope scoring half-centuries. Jacob Duffy's five-wicket haul was crucial in giving New Zealand a 64-run lead.