West Indies Defies Odds with Stellar Performances in First Test Against New Zealand

West Indies Rescues Test Match with Remarkable Batting

Thanks to Justin Greaves' memorable double century and Kemar Roach's solid innings, the West Indies managed to avoid defeat against New Zealand in the first Test of a three-match series at Hagley Oval on Saturday. On the fifth day, Greaves and Roach batted for over two sessions, ensuring the West Indies salvaged the match. At one point, it seemed the visiting team could chase down the daunting target of 561 runs, but Roach's dismissal gave New Zealand a glimmer of hope, prompting the West Indies to play more cautiously during tense moments.

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Greaves remained unbeaten at 202 runs off 388 balls, hitting 19 boundaries. Meanwhile, Roach contributed 58 runs off 233 balls, with eight fours, helping the West Indies reach 457/6 in 163.3 overs while chasing the massive target. For his outstanding double century, Greaves was named Player of the Match. On the fifth day, the West Indies resumed their innings at 212/4 after 74 overs, with Shai Hope (116*) and Justin Greaves (55*) at the crease. The team needed an additional 319 runs to secure victory in the first Test.

Greaves and Hope started the day positively, with Greaves hitting a four off Rachin Ravindra in the 75th over, followed by Hope hitting a six off Michael Bracewell in the next over. In the 82nd over, Greaves struck two fours off Zakari Faulkner. Fast bowler Jacob Duffy broke the 196-run partnership by dismissing Hope on the first ball of the 93rd over. The experienced West Indies batsman scored a brilliant 140 runs off 234 balls, including 15 fours and two sixes.

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Faulkner also joined the wicket-taking spree by dismissing wicketkeeper-batsman Tevin Imlach for just four runs in the 95th over. Greaves completed his second Test century in the 103rd over. Roach, supporting Greaves, played some aggressive shots, scoring 30 runs off 56 balls, which brought the team's score to 329/6. The West Indies crossed the 350-run mark in the 115th over with three fours off Rachin's bowling. The aggressive approach of both batsmen put pressure back on New Zealand, with Greaves reaching 150 runs off 293 balls. In the 127th over, Phillips dropped a catch off Roach, who then completed his first Test half-century in the next over.