Devon Conway’s majestic double century put New Zealand firmly in control of the third and final Test against the West Indies, but the visitors responded with an assured start of their own to keep the contest alive at Mount Maunganui on Friday.
Conway registered his second Test double hundred and highest score in the format, striking a superb 227 as New Zealand piled up a massive 575/8 declared in their first innings. However, the West Indies closed Day Two strongly on 110 without loss, showing no signs of intimidation on a placid Bay Oval surface.
Conway Leads Record First-innings Charge
Resuming on 178 not out, Conway batted with authority and patience, reaching his double century off 316 balls, laced with 28 boundaries. He added valuable runs with Kane Williamson, who made 31, before departing as Justin Greaves claimed his first wicket of the day.
Conway’s innings marked his second double ton after his famous 200 on debut at Lord’s against England, surpassing the career-best score of his childhood idol Neil McKenzie in the process.
Rachin Ravindra played the perfect supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 72 as New Zealand accelerated through the middle and lower order. Ajaz Patel chipped in late as the hosts added 241 runs on the second morning before declaring.
Windies Bowlers Toil Without Roach
The West Indies attack, already weakened by the absence of injured Kemar Roach, endured a long day in the field. Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip and Justin Greaves picked up two wickets apiece, while skipper Roston Chase bowled an exhausting 44 overs.
Despite New Zealand’s dominance, the pitch offered little assistance to bowlers, a point Ravindra acknowledged at the close of play.
Wickets in New Zealand tend to crumble more towards day four and five, so patience will be the key going forward: Devon’s knock was incredible and the partnerships set the tone for us.
Openers Blunt New Zealand Attack
In the final session, West Indies openers Brandon King and John Campbell delivered a composed response, racing to 110 for no loss in just 23 overs. King finished the day unbeaten on 55, while Campbell, batting with an injured right hand, was equally assured on 45 not out.
New Zealand’s seamers struggled for control, leaking runs early, and the introduction of Ajaz Patel failed to provide a breakthrough on a surface offering minimal turn.
Long Road Ahead for Black Caps
While New Zealand still hold a commanding lead of 465 runs, the West Indies’ opening stand suggested this Test could turn into a batting marathon unless the hosts find a sharper approach on Day Three. A win would seal the series 2–0 for New Zealand and boost their World Test Championship points, but with plenty of time left, the match remains finely poised.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 575/8 dec in 155 overs (Devon Conway 227, Tom Latham 137, Rachin Ravindra 72no; Justin Greaves 2-83, Jaydon Seales (2-100), Anderson Phillip (2-154) lead West Indies 110 for no loss in 23 overs (Brandon King 55 not out, John Campbell 45 not out) by 465 runs