Hope–Greaves Partnership Revives West Indies in Christchurch

New Zealand appeared firmly on course for victory at the end of the third day of the Christchurch Test. Their position strengthened further early on the fourth day when West Indies, chasing an enormous target of 531, slipped to 72 for 4.

John Campbell was the first to fall for 15, departing in the 13th over with the score on 24. Just an over later, Tejnaraine Chanderpaul edged behind off Jacob Duffy. Alick Athanaze and captain Roston Chase also failed to settle; Matt Henry and Michael Bracewell removed them in quick succession, leaving the visitors reeling at 72 for 4.

Earlier, New Zealand resumed the day on 417 and added 49 more runs while losing four wickets before declaring at 466. With no team ever having successfully chased such a massive total in Test history, West Indies faced a towering challenge.

In the midst of this collapse, Shai Hope and Justin Greaves mounted a remarkable recovery. Their unbeaten 140-run stand for the fifth wicket came off 275 deliveries, with Greaves facing 143 balls for his 55 and Hope compiling a fluent 116 off 132 deliveries. The New Zealand bowlers tried relentlessly but failed to break the partnership.

As the final day approaches, all eyes remain on this pair. West Indies still need 319 runs with six wickets in hand. Whether they can continue resisting and push the match deep into the final session remains the biggest question of the Test.

Score Summary

—End of Day Four

AJ