New Zealand, after dominating the opening three days, solidified their lead by declaring at 466/8. They set a huge target of 531 runs for the West Indies. The visitors finished Day 4 at 212/4, still behind by 319 runs. However, a strong partnership between Shai Hope and Justin Greaves kept the match interesting as it moved into the final day.
The Windies’ top order struggled again against New Zealand’s steady attack. Hope anchored the innings, reaching his seventh Test century, while Greaves supported him to stabilize the batting.
Even though the target is far from achievable, these two in-form batters give West Indies a slim chance to avoid defeat. Their main goal on Day 5 will be to survive, as a successful chase appears unlikely.
Kemar Roach was the standout performer for the visitors, delivering an impressive bowling display and taking five wickets. His effort was one of the few bright spots for West Indies on a difficult day.
Day 4 Highlights
New Zealand began Day 4 at 417/4, building on the strong third-day partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham. With a solid lead, the hosts aimed to add more runs as Will Young and Michael Bracewell resumed batting.
West Indies struck early, breaking through within the first three overs. Jayden Seales dismissed Will Young for 23, edging the ball to gully. Despite injuries to Tom Blundell and Nathan Smith, New Zealand added important runs through Bracewell and Zakary Foulkes before Bracewell fell to Kemar Roach, who took his third wicket of the innings.
The lower order faced difficulties but managed some bold boundaries. Roach continued his fine spell, removing Matt Henry in the 107th over for his fourth wicket. New Zealand eventually declared at 466/8 after Jacob Duffy’s dismissal, giving Roach a well-earned five-wicket haul.
West Indies began their chase with openers John Campbell and Tagnarine Chanderpaul, who resisted until the 13th over. Duffy struck first, dismissing Campbell, with Bracewell taking a sharp catch. Chanderpaul followed soon after, edging to the keeper as the top order collapsed.
Shai Hope stayed positive but saw wickets fall at the other end. Bracewell removed Alick Athanaze, and skipper Roston Chase fell for the fourth wicket, leaving West Indies in trouble at 4/72.
Hope found support from Justin Greaves, and the pair began a steady recovery. Hope reached his seventh Test hundred, while Greaves scored a well-timed fifty in the 69th over. Their partnership ensured West Indies survived the day and extended the match to the final day.
New Zealand’s bowling was stretched due to injuries to Smith and Henry, forcing Bracewell and Ravindra to bowl over 30 overs combined.
Day 4 ended with West Indies on 4/212, still trailing by 319 runs, but the Hope–Greaves stand kept the visitors in the game and pushed the Test into Day 5.
Brief Scores – 1st Test: New Zealand vs West Indies (Dec 2‑6, 2025)
- NZ 1st Inn: 231/9 (Williamson 52, Bracewell 47; WI: Shields 2/34, Greaves 2/35)
- WI 1st Inn: 167 (Hope 56, Chanderpaul 52; NZ: Duffy 5/34, Henry 3/43)
- NZ 2nd Inn: 466/8 dec (Ravindra 176, Latham 145; WI: Roach 2/61, Shields 2/64)
- WI 2nd Inn (End of Day 4): 212/4 (Hope 116*, Greaves 55*; NZ: Duffy 2/65, Henry 1/29)
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