Greaves’ marathon 202 powers West Indies to historic draw against New Zealand

Justin Greaves produced one of the finest rescue acts in modern Test cricket, batting through almost an entire day for an unbeaten 202 to pull the West Indies to a remarkable draw against New Zealand in the first Test at Christchurch on Saturday. Chasing a massive 531, the visitors ended on 457/6 in their second innings, the highest fourth-innings total ever made in a five-day Test as Greaves and Kemar Roach defied a depleted New Zealand attack in a gritty, match-saving stand that lasted deep into the final session.

The West Indies had begun the day on 212/4, still 319 runs short of victory, with Shai Hope on 111 and Greaves on 55. Hope stretched his innings to 140 before falling close to lunch, while wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach was the only other batter dismissed on the final day. From that point, Greaves and Roach settled into survival mode against an inexperienced New Zealand attack lacking its usual firepower.

With frontline pacer Matt Henry and allrounder Nathan Smith sidelined by injuries, New Zealand were left with only two fit seamers Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes both playing just their second Test and their first at home. They were supported by spin-bowling allrounder Rachin Ravindra and part-time spinner Glenn Phillips, but none could create prolonged pressure on a flat Hagley Oval pitch. New Zealand’s hopes dimmed further when they lost all their reviews early in the day, leaving two late appeals against Roach one for lbw and another for a catch behind unchallenged, even though replays showed both were out.

Greaves batted for more than nine and a half hours across two partnerships of immense value: first adding 196 runs with Hope, then stitching together a 230-run, unbeaten seventh-wicket stand with Roach. The veteran fast bowler contributed a determined 58 not out from 233 balls, complementing his earlier five-wicket haul in New Zealand’s second innings to complete an outstanding all-round performance.

New Zealand had controlled large stretches of the match, starting with their first-innings 231 in which Kane Williamson marked his comeback to Test cricket with a composed 52. The West Indies folded for 167 in reply, with Hope and Tagenarine Chanderpaul scoring 56 and 52 respectively. Hope’s effort was especially notable as he batted with an eye infection in both innings, wearing sunglasses to protect himself. New Zealand seized the advantage again on the fourth day, reducing the visitors to 72/4 and appearing on course for a comfortable win.

But as the final day wore on, it became clear the West Indies were growing stronger in defence while New Zealand’s chances faded. Greaves said afterwards that the team's mantra had been about resilience. “To be there at the end was really important. It’s a special day for me and a special day for the team,” he said.

Both teams earned four points in the new World Test Championship cycle. The series moves to Wellington for the second Test starting Wednesday.

The second Test will be played at Basin Reserve, Wellington, from December 10 to 14. The final Test follows in Napier from December 18 to 22, 2025.

Scoreboard:

New Zealand 1st Innings: 231

West Indies 1st Innings: 167

New Zealand 2nd Innings:466

West Indies 2nd Innings: 457

Result: Match drawn.