Shai Hope Greaves Lead Strong West Indies Resistance to Force Day 5 in Christchurch

Overview

West Indies staged a determined comeback on Day 4 in Christchurch as Shai Hope struck a superb unbeaten century alongside Justin Greaves steady fifty. Their 140 run stand halted New Zealand momentum after a massive declaration pushing the Test into a decisive final day.

Shai Hope celebrates his unbeaten century during West Indies resilient stand on Day 4 in Christchurch.
Image Source: Instagram/@windiescricket — Edited & Modified by Us

New Zealand appeared firmly in control after posting a towering second innings score and setting West Indies a daunting target. But Shai Hope and Justin Greaves produced a remarkable fightback on Day 4 guiding their team to safety through grit patience and flawless stroke play.

New Zealand Strengthen Grip Before Declaring on 466

Beginning the morning on 417 for 4 New Zealand added 49 more runs in just 14 overs. Their intent was clear build a huge lead and unleash their bowlers early.

Kemar Roach delivered the standout performance for West Indies. After dismissing Michael Bracewell for 24 he went on to remove Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy to complete an impressive five wicket haul.

Once Duffy fell New Zealand declared at 466/8 stretching their overall lead to 531 and giving their bowlers two and a half sessions to break through the West Indies lineup.

Early Setbacks for West Indies After a Steady Start

Openers John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul safely negotiated 11 overs before lunch but New Zealand struck quickly in the second session.

Duffy Sparks the Collapse

Jacob Duffy created immediate trouble first getting Campbell to edge a seaming delivery to first slip where Bracewell completed a sharp catch. In his very next over Duffy drew an inside edge from Chanderpaul with Tom Latham diving to complete the dismissal.

Middle Order Struggles Continue

Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope attempted to build some resistance holding out for nearly 10 overs. However Athanaze misjudged a short wide ball from Bracewell toe ending a pull to mid on.

Roston Chase fell for the second time in the match to Matt Henry in identical fashion nicking a full nipping delivery to Latham at slip.

West Indies suddenly found themselves in deep trouble at 72 for 4.

Hope and Greaves Build a Defiant 140 Run Stand

From that precarious position Shai Hope and Justin Greaves took complete charge. Their partnership shifted the momentum of the day and revived West Indies chances of stretching the game to the final day.

Hope Commanding Century

When Bracewell went short Hope dispatched him confidently cutting square and pulling with authority. He reached his fifty before tea and later launched Bracewell for a clean six over long on.

Just before drinks in the final session Hope brought up his seventh Test hundred off 139 deliveries marking a masterclass in composure and technique.

Greaves Assured Half Century

Greaves complemented Hope with equal discipline. He drove fluently against Henry and punished loose deliveries throughout the session. His steady half century reflected his growing maturity at this level.

New Zealand faced a setback when Henry left the field for calf scans leaving them a bowler short at a crucial time.

By Stumps the pair had batted through nearly two full sessions taking West Indies to 212 for 4 after 74 overs already matching their total overs from the first innings.

The Challenge Ahead on Day 5

West Indies still trail by 319 runs and must survive three more sessions to salvage a draw. With Hope unbeaten on 116 and Greaves on 55 they have shown they can resist disciplined bowling.

Whether they can extend that resilience through Day 5 will decide the fate of this Test.

Brief Scores

New Zealand 231 & 466/8 decl.

(Rachin Ravindra 176, Tom Latham 145; Kemar Roach 5-78)

West Indies 167 & 212/4

(Shai Hope 116* Justin Greaves 55* Jacob Duffy 2-65)

New Zealand lead by 319 runs heading into the final day.

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