Christchurch, December 6, 2025: Justin Greaves played a monumental innings, facing more than half the deliveries of his 12-Test career, as West Indies secured a hard-fought draw against New Zealand in the sixth Test of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle at Hagley Oval.
The West Indies, chasing a mammoth 531, finished at 457 for 6, with Greaves scoring a maiden Test double century of 202 not out and Shai Hope contributing 140. Veteran pacer Kemar Roach added a determined 58 not out, helping the visitors survive 163.3 overs in the fourth innings—the longest for West Indies in 95 years.
After West Indies stumbled to 277 for 6 on Day 3, Greaves and Hope stitched together a 196-run stand to revive the innings. Following Hope’s dismissal, Greaves anchored the innings with grit and precision, reaching his double hundred in the penultimate over with a boundary off Jacob Duffy.
Roach, making a comeback to Test cricket, played a patient and disciplined innings, facing 233 balls and surviving several chances, including a near-catch by Glenn Phillips and a missed direct hit at the bowler’s end.
New Zealand’s depleted attack of Zak Foulkes and Jacob Duffy struggled to break the resistance, with misfields and lack of assistance from a docile surface compounding their frustration. Despite aggressive field placements and attempts to take the second new ball quickly, the hosts were unable to force a result.
West Indies’ fightback from 92 for 4 showcased resilience and determination, with the innings emphasizing the slow-burn allure of Test cricket. The draw earned the visitors their first points of the World Test Championship cycle, highlighting the value of Greaves’ and Roach’s extraordinary efforts under pressure.
Match Summary:
West Indies: 167 & 457/6 (Greaves 202*, Hope 140, Roach 58*, Duffy 3-122)
New Zealand: 231 & 466/8 dec (Ravindra 176, Latham 145, Roach 5-78)
