‘What a fight shown’ – Fans react as West Indies battle to draw first Test against New Zealand
West Indies, led by Roston Chase, drew the first Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday 6 December. Notably, the Men in Maroon earned their first points in the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) standings after suffering back-to-back defeats earlier in the current cycle.
The Windies started day five at 212-4 with Shai Hope (116) and Justin Greaves (55) at the crease. Hope was ruled out for 140 carries before the lunch break. He and Greaves frustrated the Kiwis bowlers with a partnership of 186 runs in 64 overs. Tevin Imlach managed to score as West Indies lost their sixth wicket at 277.
Justin Greaves and Kemar Roach deny New Zealand a wicket in session
Justin Greaves and Kemar Roach batted brilliantly throughout the session and did not let New Zealand take a single wicket. They added 104 runs in the session by swinging the strike well and finding boundaries where necessary.
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Greaves started the session with 97 and reached his hundred first thing after lunch. He then continued to bat with confidence and brought up his maiden 150 in Test cricket. Roach supported him well and also reached fifty.
New Zealand created a few chances, but they were not taken. Roach was dropped twice, on 30 and 47, and he also survived an attempted run out when the throw missed the stumps. New Zealand were missing their key bowlers but West Indies deserved all the credit for the way they batted while chasing 531.
West Indies produce superb fourth-innings fight to level Christchurch Test
West Indies pulled off a remarkable draw against New Zealand in Christchurch. Chasing a huge goal, they refused to give up and got through the final day with great determination.
The visitors finished on 457 for 6, which is now their highest ever score in the fourth innings of a Test match. Justin Greaves and Kemar Roach were the heroes of the day, adding an unbeaten 180 for the seventh wicket and keeping the New Zealand bowlers frustrated.
West Indies showed great discipline and patience, facing 163.3 overs, the second highest they have ever bowled in a fourth innings. Their resilience allowed the match to end in a hard-fought draw and earned praise from fans for their fighting spirit.
Fans react as West Indies battle to draw first Test against New Zealand
🚨 WEST INDIES BEAT 163.3 OVERS IN 4TH INnings TO GET A BLACK IN NEW ZEALAND 🤯
Justin Greaves – 202*(388)
Shai Hope – 140 (234)
Kemar roach – 58*(233)From 72/4 to 457/6 chasing 531 runs…!!! There is hope in West Indies cricket. pic.twitter.com/lRsjuLl6GT
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 6, 2025
What a fight it showed from the West Indies. Great partnership from Greaves and Roach so far. Another underrated player, Justin Greaves.
– Prasanna (@prasannalara) December 6, 2025
Well done, Justin Greaves. What an effort.
This won’t permanently silence the ‘West Indies shouldn’t play Test cricket’ snobs, but at least they’ll be hesitant for the next few weeks.
– Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) December 6, 2025
Justin Greaves, you are writing a story. Entelechy of West Indies cricket has been outstanding recently and particularly this tour.
– Shopping represents 🇮U (@thsalaljans) December 6, 2025
West Indies brother!! If I woke up, it’s great 🤯👏#NZvWI pic.twitter.com/IZ6bxrGN8d
-Lawrence Bailey (@LawrenceBailey0) December 6, 2025
WTF is West Indies just bottled a record run chase in Test cricket history 😭🙏🏻
Your fall is real, you deserve it 😭
pic.twitter.com/iba8Fyktrc– 𝚅𝚊𝚛𝚞𝚗¹⁸ (@varunx18) December 6, 2025
Only 7 batters scored a double hundred in the fourth innings. 4 of them are from the West Indies, Justin Greaves being the latest.
– Tareque Laskar (@tarequelaskar) December 6, 2025
Also read: Will Jacks takes superb catch to dismiss Steve Smith in Gabba Test
