Mount Maunganui, 18 December 2025:
Devon Conway struck an unbeaten 178 and captain Tom Latham made a fluent 137 as New Zealand piled on the runs to reach 334 for 1 on the opening day of the third Test against West Indies at Bay Oval on Thursday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, New Zealand’s top order made full use of benign batting conditions, with Latham and Conway sharing a commanding opening partnership of 323 that blunted the West Indies attack for most of the day.
Latham, leading the side, anchored the innings with a patient hundred off 183 balls, mixing solid defence with occasional attacking strokes. Conway was the more fluent of the two, reaching his century from 147 balls and accelerating through the afternoon and evening sessions to put the visitors firmly on the back foot.
The opening pair negotiated an early testing spell before settling into a steady rhythm. They were 83 without loss at lunch and continued to build methodically, bringing up 216 for no wicket by tea. Rain briefly interrupted play mid-session, but it did little to halt New Zealand’s momentum.
Latham was finally dismissed late in the day when he was caught by Roston Chase off Kemar Roach for 137, ending the marathon stand in the 87th over. Jacob Duffy then joined Conway and safely negotiated the closing overs.
Conway remained unbeaten at stumps on 178 from 279 balls, having struck 25 fours, while Duffy was 9 not out as New Zealand closed on 334 for 1 from 90 overs at a run rate of 3.71.
Roach was the lone successful bowler for West Indies, finishing with 1 for 63 from 19 overs. Jayden Seales and Justin Greaves bowled with discipline but went wicketless, while the rest of the attack struggled to apply sustained pressure on a placid surface.
With Kane Williamson and a strong middle order yet to bat, New Zealand are well placed heading into Day 2 as they look to post a commanding first-innings total in the ICC World Test Championship fixture.
Scores in Brief
New Zealand vs West Indies, 3rd Test
Day 1, Mount Maunganui
New Zealand 334/1 in 90 overs (Devon Conway 178*; Tom Latham 137; Kemar Roach 1-63)
West Indies yet to bat
