New Zealand declared their second innings, leaving West Indies a daunting 462 runs to win the third Test at Mount Maunganui. Devon Conway and Tom Latham both scored centuries for the second time in the match, putting New Zealand firmly in control. West Indies closed the day at 43 for no loss, needing another 419 runs for victory.
Dominant Batting Puts New Zealand Ahead
New Zealand’s batting lineup dominated from the start of the NZ vs WI third Test. They posted 575 for 8 declared in their first innings. Devon Conway led the charge with a double-century, scoring 227, supported by Tom Latham’s 137 and Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten 72.
This massive total came after significant opening partnerships, which blunted the West Indies seam attack early. Jacob Duffy took 4 for 86 in West Indies’ first innings, while Ajaz Patel added 3 for 113. West Indies responded with 420 all out, anchored by Kavem Hodge’s resilient 123 not out and contributions like King’s 63, which kept their first innings competitive, as reported by ESPN.
New Zealand then accelerated their scoring in the second innings, declaring at 306 for 2. Conway once again reached a century, scoring 100, and Latham matched him with 101 runs. Their aggressive play included a notable over where Latham struck 6, 4, 4 off Glenn Phillips, including a no-ball. The opening pair amassed a 515-run stand across the two innings, reflecting their dominance. Even a spectacular boundary-line catch by Jayden Seales, who saved a six when Conway mis-hit a loft to midwicket, could not slow New Zealand’s momentum.
Milestones and Tactical Play
Devon Conway achieved a rare feat, becoming the first New Zealand batter to follow a double-century with a century in the same Test match. His scores of 227 and 100 demonstrated sustained excellence. Tom Latham also recorded centuries in both innings, reaching his 16th Test hundred in the second dig. Their consistent scoring left West Indies needing to bat for prolonged periods to avoid defeat. New Zealand’s declarations in both innings were tactical moves to create enough time to bowl West Indies out, maximizing their chances for a result, according to match reports.
West Indies’ first innings resilience, largely due to Kavem Hodge’s unbeaten century, was crucial in preventing an even larger deficit. Despite the efforts of their bowlers, including productive spells from Jayden Seales earlier in the match, they struggled to contain the New Zealand openers. The home side’s patient accumulation and strong partnerships consistently blunted the West Indies attack.
Key Player Milestones
Conway’s double-century and century in the same Test places him in an exclusive club of batters globally. Latham’s two centuries underscored his importance at the top of the order. These individual performances built New Zealand’s commanding position. The opening partnerships were central to New Zealand setting such a formidable target.
Expert Reactions Highlight Deja Vu
Commentators noted the familiar pattern of New Zealand’s dominant opening pair.
“a sense of deja vu”
ESPN commentary described this feeling as Conway and Latham batted West Indies out of the match again. The expert analysis stressed the importance of the big opening partnerships that set up both innings, according to reports. Fans on social media praised Conway’s strokeplay and discussed Kane Williamson’s future, as live commentary threads tracked the milestones.
What’s Next for Both Teams
West Indies closed Day 4 at 43 for 0, with King on 37 not out and Campbell on 2 not out. They require another 419 runs to chase down the target of 462. The play will resume with West Indies needing their top order to bat for extended periods to force a result. Concerns about the fitness of key players like Shai Hope, who was reported unwell, and Kemar Roach, who picked up a hamstring injury earlier in the game, could impact their chances.
This third Test is part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, meaning the result will affect both teams’ points and New Zealand’s standing in the series. Conway and Latham’s twin centuries, particularly Conway’s double-century followed by a century, are career-defining entries for both players.
These performances will likely factor into future selections and contract valuations, as the game’s scorecard shows. The long-term implications for New Zealand cricket include a strengthened batting core, while West Indies faces a challenge to develop consistent top-order performances.
Soureesh Datta 
Ishaan Singh