New Zealand completed a dominant Test match with a strong all-round performance, outplaying West Indies in every department to secure a big win. The hosts stayed in control throughout the match, from long batting efforts to sharp bowling on a tiring pitch.

Fast bowler Jacob Duffy led the attack with an excellent 5/42. He finished the series as the standout player and showed New Zealand’s depth despite a weakened pace attack.

Duffy’s five-wicket haul helped him break Sir Richard Hadlee’s New Zealand record of 80 wickets in a calendar year. It was a major achievement in a season where he carried a heavy workload.

The right-arm seamer ended the series with 23 wickets at an average of 15.4. He took three five-wicket hauls and bowled more than 154 overs across the three Tests as New Zealand’s main fast bowler.

“I saw that list at lunchtime, and there were some great names on it. To be on any list with those names was special,” said Duffy, who was later named Player of the Series.

New Zealand's bowlers finish the job in Mount Maunganui to claim 12 #WTC27 points and a 2-0 series win 👏#NZvWI 📲 https://t.co/RsAVYUUerk pic.twitter.com/pA62cthcMW

— ICC (@ICC) December 22, 2025

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West Indies Collapses in the Chase

Chasing survival on the final day, the West Indies started well. The openers looked confident and moved to 87 without losing a wicket. For a short time, it seemed they could fight back.

However, the dismissal of Brandon King changed the match. West Indies quickly fell from 87/0 to 98/5 and lost control. Jacob Duffy struck again by dismissing Roston Chase, and New Zealand tightened the pressure.

After lunch, Shai Hope tried to resist. He played patiently on a difficult pitch and stayed at the crease for a long time. But his effort ended when Ajaz Patel trapped him lbw. Joshua Imlach showed some fight, but once the lower-order batters came in, the end came quickly. Duffy finished the innings by dismissing Jayden Seales to complete a deserved five-wicket haul and seal the win.

New Zealand’s Complete Dominance

New Zealand had taken control of the match earlier with a huge first-innings total of 575. Devon Conway led the way with a brilliant double century, while Tom Latham supported him with a fine hundred. West Indies replied with a strong century from Kavem Hodge but still fell 155 runs behind.

In the second innings, New Zealand batted freely and with confidence. Latham and Conway once again gave a strong start and scored quick centuries. With enough runs and time, New Zealand declared again and set West Indies a tough target of 462.

By Day 5, the pitch had become difficult, with uneven bounce and movement. West Indies struggled to handle the conditions, while New Zealand’s bowlers used them well. Declaring twice in the match showed how strong New Zealand were with both bat and ball.

Jacob Duffy was named Player of the Series after a memorable campaign. He called it a special year and one of the best periods of his career. Devon Conway, named Player of the Match, said the achievement had not fully sunk in yet. He thanked the good batting conditions and said his simple and positive approach helped him succeed.

In the end, New Zealand played with discipline and confidence throughout the series. West Indies fought at times but were hurt by key mistakes and a final-day collapse that decided the match.

Short Scores

New Zealand: 575/8 d. and 306/2 d.
West Indies: 138 in 80.3 overs (King 67, Campbell 16; Duffy 5/42, Patel 3/23).

Result: New Zealand won by 323 runs.
Series: New Zealand won the 3-match series 2–0.
Player of the Match: Devon Conway
Player of the Series: Jacob Duffy

New Zealand set the first-time record in Test cricket history during the Mount Maunganui Test against the West Indies.

Leading the series by 1-0, New Zealand chose to bat first in the third and final Test of the series. In the first innings, while skipper Tom Latham scored 137 runs, his opening partner Devon Conway slammed 227 runs. They had the 323-run partnership for the first wicket in that innings.

While New Zealand scored 575/8 declared, West Indies scored 420 runs in their first innings, as the hosts New Zealand got a 155-run lead. 

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Both New Zealand openers also scored centuries in second innings

In their second innings, New Zealand declared at 306/2, as they set a 462-run fourth innings target for the fourth innings. Once again, the Blackcaps' openers set a big partnership, as the openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway had a 192-run partnership for the first wicket. Both openers once again scored centuries, as the skipper Tom Latham scored 101 runs and his opening partner Devon Conway scored 100 runs.

Both New Zealand openers recorded centuries in both innings of the 2025 Mount Maunganui Test against the West Indies

It was the first time in Test cricket history that both openers from a team scored centuries in both innings of a Test match. Both New Zealand openers, captain Tom Latham and Devon Conway, scored centuries in both innings in the ongoing Mount Maunganui Test against the West Indies.

In fact, Devon Conway recorded a double century and a century in this Test match. He became the first New Zealand batter and 10th overall batter to record one double-century and another century in the same Test match. With 327 runs, Conway recorded the third-highest score in a Test match by a New Zealand batter.

Another remarkable fightback from West Indies against New Zealand. This time it is Kavem Hodge who is propelling the team out of danger. After the stumps of Day 3, the West Indies is trailing by 194 runs with four more wickets in hand. Their possibility to take a possible lead currently lies in the hand of Kavem Hodge, who remains unbeaten for 109* (254) and will start Day 4 with Anderson Phillip.

The gritty century of Hodge is a testament to skill, resilience and guts. On Day 3, the Windies batter was down on the ground for a while as the ball hit him hard. Play was briefly halted on 97 when Hodge was struck painfully in the groin by a Michael Rae delivery. Though, the batter easily overcame the blow and pain and continues to bring runs for his team.

New Zealand went to bat first at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui and registered a humongous total of 575/8d with their best batter, Devon Conway, who scored 227 runs. The three-match Test series already showed the unpredictable nature of the West Indies when Justin Greaves's stellar batting brought back the West Indies in the fight in the first match of the contest.

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Watch when the ball hit Kavem Hodge hard during NZ vs WI 3rd Test

Kavem Hodge - we can feel you brother. 🥲

- The stump mic was totally hilarious. 🤣
pic.twitter.com/BwnTr5KhLy

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 20, 2025

In the third and the final match, Kavem Hodge lit up the stage with his batting. WI successfully avoided the follow-on with the help of Kavem's century. During the innings, the 32-year-old batter formed multiple notable partnerships to stabilise their first innings.

The sublime 109* (254) were significantly supported by Brandon King (63), Alick Athanaze (45) and Justin Greaves (43). At the end of Day 3, the West Indies is at 381/6. Jacob Duffy and Ajaz Patel claimed a brace each for New Zealand in the process.

Hosts New Zealand are in the driving seat on the opening day of the Mount Maunganui Test, where the Blackcaps openers set a record partnership for the opening wicket in home Test history.

It is the third and final Test of the series, which is a part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship. Leading the series by 1-0, New Zealand chose to bat first after winning the toss. At the stumps on the opening day, New Zealand scored 334/1 in 90 overs.

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New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway put 323 runs partnership: Highest Test opening partnership for New Zealand at home

New Zealand openers, captain Tom Latham and former Chennai Super Kings star Devon Conway, set a giant 323-run partnership for the first wicket. While Latham scored 137 runs off 246 balls with 15 fours and one six, Conway scored 178 not out off 279 balls with the help of 25 fours. Experienced Caribbean pacer Kemar Roach got the only wicket of the day in the 87th over. 

It was the second-highest opening partnership for New Zealand in their Test cricket history, while also recording the highest first-wicket partnership for the Blackcaps in home Test history. Their record opening wicket partnership in Test cricket was 387 runs by Terry Jarvis and Glenn Turner against the hosts West Indies during the 1972 Georgetown Test. 

The previous home record for the highest Test opening partnership for New Zealand was 276 runs between Stewie Dempster and Jackie Mills during the 1930 Wellington Test against England. 

The 323-run opening partnership also became New Zealand's seventh-highest partnership for any wicket in a home Test innings. 

Devon Conway already scores his second highest Test score

Conway, who made his Test debut with 200 runs during the 2021 Lord's Test against the hosts England, scored his second-highest Test score and third Test 150 on the first day of the Mount Maunganui Test on Thursday (December 18). With 22 more runs, he will record his second Test double century, and with one more run, he will set his new highest Test score record.

New Zealand has announced its squad for the second Test against the West Indies in Wellington, and the big news is the return of all-rounder Glenn Phillips. With many senior players injured, the team has named a fresh 14-member group for the match starting Wednesday.

New Zealand had to make several changes because some key players are out with injuries. This Test gives them a chance to try a new combination while welcoming Phillips back into the side.

Phillips has not played Test cricket since the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. A groin injury kept him away from the format for almost a year. His last Test was in December against England in Hamilton. His comeback is important, especially with several players missing in both batting and bowling.

Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell is injured, so young keeper Mitch Hay is likely to make his Test debut. In the fast-bowling department, uncapped pacers Kristian Clarke and Michael Rae join Jacob Duffy. Clarke and Rae have done well in domestic cricket and now get their chance at the international level.

Despite the changes, senior players like Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, and Rachin Ravindra are available. The first Test ended in a draw after a strong batting show from the visitors.

New Zealand squad:

Tom Latham (c), Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Rachin Ravindra, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young

West Indies squad:

Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Brandon King, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields

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An incredible knock by Justin Greaves. A double hundred in the 4th innings of the New Zealand vs West Indies 1st Test (NZ vs WI 1st Test) at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch finds its place in the pages of the cricket history book. Because of Greaves' unbeaten 202-run knock, West Indies saved the match, which ended in a draw. The double tonne by the all-rounder came while they were chasing a target of 531 runs on the final day of the match. Greaves encrypted his name as the only 7th batter to score a double hundred in the 4th innings of a Test match.

List of batters who scored double century in the 4th innings of a Test match:

1. George Headley vs England in 1930:

In 1930, West Indies legend George Headley scored 223 at Sabina Park in the 4th Test of the 1929–30 England tour of the West Indies. The double century helped the West Indies to win the game by an innings and 39 runs. It was their first-ever Test victory in cricket history. With the milestone knock, Headley became the first West Indian to score a Test double century.

2. Bill Edrich vs South Africa in 1939:

The South Africa vs England Test match is famously known as the "Timeless Test" in cricket history. In the match at Kingsmead, Durban, Bill Edrich registered 219 runs in the contest. The match ended in a draw after 10 days because the England cricket team had to leave the match to catch their ship home.

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3. Sunil Gavaskar vs England in 1979:

It was a 221-run innings from Sunil Gavaskar against England at The Oval in London. India was very close to winning the high-scoring match. For them, the target was 438 runs, and India, with the help from Gavaskar, scored 429/8 – match drawn.

4. Gordon Greenidge vs England in 1984:

A memorable win for the West Indies at Lord's. Gordon Greenidge got 214 not out with 29, and the West Indies eventually won the match by 9 wickets. They successfully chased down the target of 342. Richie Richardson was with Greenidge during the closing moment of the match.

5. Nathan Astle vs England in 2002:

The target was huge at the Jade Stadium (Lancaster Park), Christchurch. New Zealand scored 451 all out against the 550-run target. Nathan Astle alone registered 222. He completed his double hundred against 153 balls — a record that stood for many years. It was the highest score by a batter at no. 5 or lower in the 4th innings.

6. Kyle Mayers vs Bangladesh in 2021:

The match turned tough for the West Indies at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram. 210 not out from Kyle Mayers helped the visitors to win the match by 3 wickets. Mayers scored 210 runs with 20 fours and 7 sixes.

7. Justin Greaves vs New Zealand in 2025:

A modern-day classic from Justin Greaves. In front of a target of 531, he scored an unbeaten 202 off 388 with 19 boundaries. The 5th-day fight led the match to a draw as the West Indies scored 457/6 before the end of the match.

Extending his brilliant form in red-ball cricket, Shai Hope has scored his fourth Test hundred. The middle-order batter reached the milestone on Day 4 of the opening Test against New Zealand in Christchurch. He reached his century in just 139 balls and helped his team recover after early wickets in their second innings. This is also his second consecutive Test hundred of the year.

This sparkling century from Shai Hope has now moved him to the second spot on the list of most international runs in 2025. In this journey, he has even surpassed legends like Joe Root.

In this article, we will share the top five batters with the most runs in 2025 across all formats.

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Top Five batters with the most international runs in 2025

1. Shubman Gill 

Shubman Gill leads the chart with 1,732 runs in 32 matches at an average of 52.48. The current Indian Test captain has played very well in both red-ball and white-ball cricket. He was in phenomenal form during the England vs India 2025 series, scoring 754 runs in 10 innings at an average of 75.40. He hit four centuries and a double hundred in that series. He also scored 430 runs in a single match—the second Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

In his 39 innings in 2025, Gill scored seven hundreds and three fifties.

2. Shai Hope 

The Caribbean middle-order batter moved up to the second spot after scoring a sparkling century in the ongoing NZ vs WI 1st Test. Along with a composed innings from Justin Greaves, he helped the West Indies stay in the game and keep their slim hopes alive of saving the first Test against New Zealand.

Shai Hope scored 1,677 runs in 2025 across all formats in 40 matches, with a strike rate of 87.29. He is also in good form in the NZ vs WI ODI series, scoring a century and achieving a major milestone by surpassing 6,000 ODI runs.

In the 2025 season, he scored five hundreds and nine fifties, with an average of 43.00.

3. Brian Bennett

Brian Bennett is ranked third on the chart. The Zimbabwe all-rounder became a dark horse, scoring 1,585 runs in 2025 with a strike rate of 109.31. He was in excellent form during the Pakistan vs Zimbabwe 2025 series and played some match-winning innings. He also scored 49 runs to help Zimbabwe win in Pakistan.

In the 2025 season, he scored three hundreds and eight fifties, with an average of 35.22.

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4. Agha Salman

The Pakistan T20I skipper has been a new sensation in T20I cricket. Although he had a bad run in the Asia Cup 2025, he is still firmly placed at the 4th spot in this ranking. The Pakistani all-rounder scored 1,569 runs in 2025 with an average of 32.68. He also scored a century in the recently concluded Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match and hit a half-century in that T20I series.

In his 58 innings in 2025, Agha scored two hundreds and nine fifties with a strike rate of 89.19.

5. Joe Root

The former England skipper is in sensational form in 2025. On the opening day of the ongoing second Ashes Test 2025–26, Joe Root ended his century drought in Australia and scored his first-ever Test hundred on Australian soil, making 138* off 206 balls. He also equalled England legend Ian Botham’s record at the Gabba.

In his 28 innings in 2025, Root scored 1,525 runs with an average of 61.00, the highest on this list. He also hit seven hundreds and five fifties, with a strike rate of 74.10.

New Zealand dominated the third day of the first Test against the West Indies, thanks to centuries from Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra. They started Day 3 at 32/0, and the opening pair of Latham and Devon Conway continued to bat confidently. The duo took the score close to 100, but Conway was dismissed for 37, ending the opening stand of 84 runs.

Kane Williamson could not make an impact and was dismissed for just nine runs. But Latham and Rachin took full control after that. They built a huge partnership, attacking the bowlers all over the ground, with Rachin hitting several boundaries on his way to a brilliant hundred.

By stumps, New Zealand had reached 385/3, riding on a dominant 279-run partnership between Rachin (176) and Latham (145). They had started the day 96 runs ahead, and by the end, they were completely in command of the match.

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We finish the day 481 runs ahead at 417/4 after Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra lead the way with the bat.

Catch all the scores HERE - https://t.co/KwqLpZ7tPh#NZvWIN | 📸 @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/ZgYbX3AqiF

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 4, 2025

Latham and Rachin’s Complete Dominance

Both Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra reached their centuries and kept scoring freely even after crossing the milestone. It turned into a tough and tiring day for the West Indies bowlers, who were hit all around the ground and struggled to take wickets.

The long partnership finally ended when Kemar Roach dismissed Latham for a superb 145. Their 279-run stand is now the second-highest partnership by a New Zealand pair against the West Indies in Test cricket.

Soon after, Rachin also fell for a brilliant 176, losing his wicket to Ojay Shields, who picked up his first scalp of the day. His dismissal came just three overs before stumps. Despite the two late wickets, New Zealand were clearly dominant and ended the day on 417/4, with Will Young unbeaten on 21 and Michael Bracewell on 6.

New Zealand head into Day 4 with a massive lead of 481 runs. It remains to be seen how long they will continue batting and what target they will set for the West Indies. By the time the second new ball was taken, New Zealand were already more than 400 runs ahead, with Rachin moving past Latham’s score. Roach broke the huge stand with an inswinger that brushed Latham’s inside edge, while Rachin later fell to a surprise yorker from Shields.

Even with the late breakthroughs, New Zealand added 184 runs in the final session, leaving West Indies facing a huge challenge.

Brief scores:

New Zealand 231 & 417/4 (Rachin Ravindra 176, Tom Latham 145; Kemar Roach 2-61) lead West Indies 167 by 481 runs.

Jacob Duffy’s five-wicket haul gave New Zealand a 64-run first-innings lead over the West Indies, who were bowled out for 167 in the first Test on Wednesday. At the end of day two in Christchurch, New Zealand were 32/0 in their second innings, holding a 96-run lead. Devon Conway was unbeaten on 15, while Tom Latham was on 14.

After a rain break in the final session, Duffy took the last four West Indies wickets for just two runs in 16 balls.

Earlier in the day, Duffy also removed the West Indies’ top scorer, Shai Hope, who made 56. He finished with career-best figures of 5/34.

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Hope & Chanderpaul Build WI Resistance

Half-centuries from Shai Hope and Tagenarine Chanderpaul formed the backbone of the West Indies innings, adding 90 runs for the third wicket.

Hope, wearing sunglasses due to an eye infection, walked in with the West Indies struggling at 10/2. Even with conjunctivitis and regular eye-drop breaks, he played a controlled knock to reach his sixth Test fifty. But on 56, he gloved a short ball from Jacob Duffy to wicketkeeper Tom Latham.

Matt Henry then produced a double-wicket maiden, removing Roston Chase and Justin Greaves—both caught behind—taking the West Indies from 100/2 to 106/5.

Jacob Duffy ran through the West Indies batting with his maiden five-wicket haul 🙌#WTC27 | #NZvWI 📝: https://t.co/1W0563ctBn pic.twitter.com/gosaqfx7ct

— ICC (@ICC) December 3, 2025

NZ Strike Back Strongly After Tea

Chanderpaul fought hard for his 52 off 169 balls before Zak Foulkes dismissed him after the tea break under gloomy skies with floodlights on.

Chanderpaul had been dropped twice by Devon Conway at leg slip on 5 and 24, but Conway made up for it later with a sharp catch at mid-wicket.

After a 30-minute rain break, Duffy cleaned up the tail, removing Tevin Imlach (14), Johann Layne (0), Jayden Seales (2), and Ojay Shields (0).

Earlier in the day, the West Indies took just three balls to end New Zealand’s first innings, with the hosts adding no runs to their overnight score of 231.

NZ vs WI West Indies Tour of New Zealand  Match Preview:

New Zealand will face the West Indies in the first Test of a two-match series. The New Zealand team is again prepared to start strongly by defeating Zimbabwe in their own backyard. Previously, they lost the Test series 2-1 to England at home, but in their last Test, they made a remarkable comeback by beating Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs, which boosted their confidence.

Meanwhile, the West Indies team is currently facing a difficult period. They first lost the Test series to Australia, followed by a 2-0 defeat to India. They have lost their last five Test matches consecutively. In their most recent game, they were beaten by India by 7 wickets, although John Campbell scored a brilliant century. Under the leadership of Captain R Chase, they hope to begin the series with a win note.

NZ vs WI Recent Performance:

NZ vs WI West Indies Tour of New Zealand  Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: West Indies Tour of New Zealand 
• Match: NZ vs WI 1st Test
• Date: 2 Dec. 2025
• Match Start Time: 3:30 AM IST
• Stadium/Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch, New Zealand
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: Fancode.

NZ vs WI Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

NZ vs WI Pitch & Weather Report:

The first Test match will have heavy clouds and the potential for rain. The temperature is expected to reach around 16.2°C. Based on previous stats, the average score at this venue ranges between 270 and 285 runs. The pitch offers good assistance to batters and pacers.

Hagley Oval, Christchurch, New Zealand Stats: 

Hagley Oval, Christchurch pitch offers some assistance to bowlers. Batsmen will need to wait a little longer to score runs on this pitch. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first will be a wise decision on this surface.    

NZ vs WI Dream11 Prediction Playing 11

New Zealand (NZ) Probable 11:

1. Devon Conway, 2. Will Young, 3. Kane Williamson, 4. Rachin Ravindra, 5. Tom Latham(C), 6. Michael Bracewell, 7. Daryl Mitchell, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Jacob Duffy, 10. Matt Henry, 11. Nathan Smith

West Indies (WI) Probable 11:

1. John Campbell, 2. Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 3. Alick Athanaze, 4. Shai Hope(WK), 5. Roston Chase(C), 6. Tevin Imlach(WK), 7. Justin Greaves, 8. Anderson Phillip, 9. Kemar Roach, 10. Jomel Warrican, 11. Jayden Seales

NZ vs WI- Top Picks from NZ

NZ vs WI- Top Picks from WI

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

Devon Conway (NZ) is an aggressive batsman for NZ. He smashed 153 runs in the last test match against ZIM

Mitchell Santner (NZ) has put all the opposition batsmen in trouble with his spin bowling. This left-arm bowler is our top priority.

Shai Hope (WI) had delivered an excellent century in the last test match against India. He will be a beneficial pick.

R Chase (WI) is the most important all-rounder of the West Indies team. He contributes well to the team both with the ball and bat.

NZ vs WI Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

NZ vs WI Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

NZ vs WI Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

NZ is expected to win this match. Defeating New Zealand on their home ground is going to be very difficult for the out-of-form West Indies team.

NZ vs WI 1st Test FAQ

Who is likely to win the NZ vs WI match today?

New Zealand (NZ) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

New Zealand

Who are the top fantasy picks for the NZ vs WI Dream11 team?

Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, Shai Hope, R Chase, N Smith and John Campbell

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is balanced, and we can expect an average score range between 270 and 285 runs.