Justin Greaves’ Historic Double Ton Helps West Indies Avoid Defeat in Thriller Test Against New Zealand

A remarkable unbeaten double century from Justin Greaves led West Indies to a dramatic escape, denying New Zealand a certain victory in the first Test at Christchurch.

Chasing a massive target of 531 runs, West Indies held their ground for 163.3 overs, finishing on 457 for 6, marking the second-highest fourth-innings total in Test cricket history.

Greaves produced a career-defining knock, returning not out on 202, while Kemar Roach delivered his best Test performance with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 58. Their historic 180-run undefeated stand turned the tide when defeat seemed inevitable.

Earlier, the chase began disastrously as West Indies stumbled to 72 for 4, before Shai Hope partnered Greaves for a monumental 196-run stand. Hope crafted a composed 140, but wickets fell quickly again, with the sixth dismissal coming just nine runs later.

However, the Greaves–Roach resistance sealed the escape, earning Greaves the Player of the Match award for his historic effort.

For New Zealand, Jacob Duffy claimed three wickets, while Matt Henry, Michael Bracewell, and Zak Foulkes took one each.

Earlier in the match, New Zealand declared their second innings at 466 for 8, powered by Rachin Ravindra’s 176 and captain Tom Latham’s 145. Roach starred with the ball, taking five wickets, while Ojay Shields picked up two.

West Indies had struggled earlier with just 167 in the first innings, following New Zealand’s modest 231 all out start, where Kane Williamson scored 52.

Despite the early setbacks, the final day belonged to Justin Greaves — whose name is now etched in Test cricket history for one of the great fourth-innings performances.