New Zealand took control on Day 1 of the third Test against the West Indies at Hagley Oval, led by a superb opening stand from Tom Latham and Devon Conway. After choosing to bat first, the duo handled the early movement well and went on to score centuries, staying in command despite a brief rain interruption.
The West Indies bowlers struggled to build pressure and lacked consistency, allowing the partnership to grow and rewrite New Zealand’s opening-stand record. Although a late breakthrough finally ended the stand, the damage had already been done, with New Zealand finishing the day in a strong position and firmly in charge of the Test.
New Zealand vs West Indies 3rd Test Day 1 Highlights
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first on a green surface, which looked tricky, while the West Indies captain said they would have bowled first. Captain Tom Latham opened the innings with Devon Conway, and Kemar Roach led the bowling attack. Roach and Seales found some early moment and flew some balls past the edge, but the Kiwi openers remain solid.
Conway reached his fifty with a boundary in 89 balls, followed soon by skipper Tom Latham in 102 balls. Regular strike rotations and boundaries soon took the shine away from West Indies bowlers. At 2:18 pm local time, rain stopped the play for a brief 20 mins, but it did not affect the batter’s momentum.
Conway brought up his sixth Test hundred for New Zealand with a classy on-drive, and by the end of the session, 1 New Zealand were 216 without loss. After the Tea Break, West Indies bowled well and created a few chances, but Tom Latham still went on to score his 15th Test century. A dropped catch in the 66th over by the keeper summed up the West Indies’ body language.
Conway moved past 150 as the openers broke New Zealand’s record for the highest opening partnership, going past the previous mark of 276 set by CS Dempster and JE Mills against England. The stand reached 300 in the 79th over.
West Indies finally got the breakthrough in the 86th over when Kemar Roach had Tom Latham (137 off 246) caught at first slip by Roston Chase. New Zealand sent in nightwatchman Jacob Duffy, and stumps were called at 334/1 after 90 overs, with Devon Conway unbeaten on 178 (279) and Duffy on 9 (16).
Brief Score-3rd Test New Zealand vs West Indies, Day 1 (Dec 18-22 2025)
- New zealand 1st Innings: 334/1 (90)
- Top Scores: Devon Conway 178*(279), Tom Latham 137(246)
- Best Bowling(WI): Kemar Roach 1/63
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