New Zealand finished Day 3 of the first Test against West Indies with a commanding 481‑run lead. At stumps, they were 417/4 in their second innings, firmly in control of the match.
Skipper Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra both scored brilliant centuries, putting the Windies’ bowlers under constant pressure and giving the Black Caps a strong advantage.
The day belonged to the batters as the sunny conditions allowed New Zealand to dominate with the bat. Latham and Ravindra’s centuries were supported by solid contributions from other top-order players, ensuring the team built a huge lead. The Windies bowlers struggled to make breakthroughs, and by the end of the day, New Zealand had clearly taken control of the match, leaving the visitors with a tough task ahead.
With two days still remaining, New Zealand look likely to push for a declaration, leaving the visitors with a challenging chase if they get a chance to bat again.
Day 3 Highlights
The New Zealand openers continued their strong start from Day 2 into Day 3, taking advantage of good batting conditions. Captain Tom Latham and Devon Conway began cautiously, finding occasional boundaries while steadily increasing the score.
West Indies finally broke the partnership when debutant Ojay Shields dismissed Conway in the 27th over, giving the visitors their first breakthrough. Soon after, Kane Williamson’s short time at the crease ended when Justin Greaves forced an outside edge to the keeper, leaving New Zealand at 2 down.
Tom Latham remained confident and anchored the innings while No. 4 Rachin Ravindra joined him with an aggressive approach. The pair dominated the bowlers, forming a massive 279-run partnership, with Ravindra hitting 27 boundaries in a fluent innings.
West Indies mixed up their bowlers to find a breakthrough, but Latham and Ravindra kept scoring easily, both reaching centuries and helping New Zealand build a large second-innings lead. The partnership finally ended in the 88th over when Kemar Roach dismissed Latham. Ravindra followed shortly after, with Ojay Shields taking his second wicket with a perfect delivery.
Day 3 ended with New Zealand at 417/4, firmly in control. With plenty of time left, the Black Caps will aim to extend their lead on Day 4 and put more pressure on the Windies.
Brief Scores – 1st Test, New Zealand vs West Indies , Day 1 (Dec 2‑6, 2025)
New Zealand 1st Innings: 231/9 (70 overs)
- Top Scores: Kane Williamson 52 (102), Michael Bracewell 47 (73)
- Best Bowling (WI): Ojay Shields 2/34, Justin Greaves 2/35
West Indies 1st Innings: 167 (75.4 overs)
- Top Scores: Shai Hope 56 (107), Tagenarine Chanderpaul 52 (169)
- Best Bowling (NZ): Jacob Duffy 5/34, Matt Henry 3/43
New Zealand 2nd Innings: 417/4 (95 overs), lead by 481 runs
- Top Scores: Rachin Ravindra 176(185), Tom Latham 145(250)
- Best Bowling (WI): Kemar Roach 2/61, Ojay Shields 2/64
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