The NZ vs WI 3rd test Day 4 has etched itself into the record books of international cricket, providing a spectacle of batting excellence at Bay Oval that fans will discuss for decades. As the sun set over Mount Maunganui on Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Black Caps firmly asserted their dominance, leaving the West Indies with a mountain to climb on the final day of this thrilling three-match series.
With a series victory on the line, the NZ vs WI 3rd test Day 4 action centered around Devon Conway and Tom Latham, who achieved what no opening pair in the history of Test cricket had done before. After a long day of shifting momentum, the West Indies closed at 43/0, still trailing by a massive 419 runs, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the tour.
Match Summary: A Day of Absolute Kiwis Dominance
The morning of NZ vs WI 3rd test Day 4 began with the West Indies resuming their first innings at 381/6. While the visitors had shown great grit on Day 3 to avoid the follow-on, the New Zealand pacers, led by the relentless Jacob Duffy, wasted no time in the morning session. The West Indies tail was polished off for 420, giving New Zealand a healthy first-innings lead of 155 runs. Kavem Hodge remained the standout for the Caribbean side, finishing unbeaten on a career-best 123—a redemptive knock that kept the Windies fighting.
However, the narrative of NZ vs WI 3rd test Day 4 quickly shifted to the New Zealand second innings. Opting not to enforce the follow-on to rest his bowlers, skipper Tom Latham and Devon Conway walked out with clear intent. What followed was a masterclass in controlled aggression. The pair put on 192 for the first wicket, becoming the first opening duo in Test history to share a triple-century stand (323 in the first innings) and a century stand in the same match.
Devon Conway brought up his century off just 139 balls, becoming the first New Zealander to score a double-ton and a century in the same match. Latham followed suit with his own century (101), emulating his father Rod Latham’s feat of twin opening century stands. New Zealand eventually declared at 306/2, setting a daunting target of 462. By stumps, Brandon King (37*) and John Campbell (2*) had survived 16 overs, but the path to victory remains nearly impossible for the visitors.
Crucial Turning Points in the NZ vs WI 3rd test Day 4
Every great Test match has its pivotal moments, and the NZ vs WI 3rd test Day 4 was no exception. These three shifts in momentum defined the day:
- Jacob Duffy’s Morning Spell: The West Indies started the day hoping to significantly reduce the deficit. However, Duffy took two wickets in the first hour, removing Anderson Phillip and Shai Hope (who returned to bat despite illness). By ending the innings at 420, New Zealand maintained a psychological 155-run cushion.
- The Decision to Bat Again: While some called for the follow-on, Latham’s choice to bat allowed the surface to continue cracking while exhausting the West Indian bowlers. This tactical move effectively removed any risk of a New Zealand defeat.
- The Mid-Session Acceleration: Between lunch and tea, Conway and Latham added 157 runs at more than five runs per over. This rapid scoring allowed for a declaration late in the day, giving the Kiwi bowlers a 16-over “bite” at the Windies openers under the fading lights and inconsistent bounce.
Player Performances: Records and Resilience
Devon Conway: The History Maker
Conway’s performance in the NZ vs WI 3rd test Day 4 was nothing short of legendary. By following his first-innings 227 with a crisp 100 in the second, he joined an elite list of only 10 players (including legends like Brian Lara and Kumar Sangakkara) to score a double-century and a century in the same Test. He has now amassed 697 runs this season at a staggering average of 87.12.
Tom Latham: Leading from the Front
The captain’s twin centuries (137 and 101) solidified his reputation as New Zealand’s premier red-ball opener. Latham’s 15th Test century also saw him equal Martin Guptill’s tally for the most international hundreds by a New Zealander, proving his immense value at the top of the order.
Kavem Hodge: West Indies’ Lone Warrior
While the headlines belong to the Kiwis, Kavem Hodge’s 123* in the first innings was a display of pure Test match temperament. Facing 275 balls, he anchored the innings and showed the world that he belongs at the highest level despite a difficult start to the series.
Jacob Duffy: The Breakthrough Artist
Duffy ended the first innings with figures of 4-86, bringing his series tally to 18 wickets at an average of 17.3. His ability to find movement on a relatively flat Bay Oval pitch has been the point of difference throughout the NZ vs WI 3rd test Day 4.
What it Means for Tournament Standings
The result of the NZ vs WI 3rd test Day 4 carries massive weight for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
| Team | Current PCT | Projected Standing (with NZ win) |
| New Zealand | 66.67% | Likely 2nd or 3rd |
| West Indies | 4.76% | 9th (Bottom) |
A win on Day 5 would secure a 2-0 series victory for New Zealand, propelling them further toward the top of the WTC table alongside Australia and South Africa. For the West Indies, a loss would leave them at the bottom of the standings, making their path to the 2027 final at Lord’s extremely difficult.
Fan Perspective and Opinions
The buzz on social media during the NZ vs WI 3rd test Day 4 has been a mix of awe and debate. On platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), fans have hailed the “Latham-Conway” era as the greatest opening partnership in Black Caps history.
However, a subset of fans has voiced concerns over the pitch at Bay Oval. Some argue that “flat tracks” like this, where openers can score centuries in both innings, are detrimental to the balance of Test cricket. Conversely, Caribbean fans have praised the resilience of Kavem Hodge, seeing his century as a “moral victory” and a sign of growth for the young West Indian middle order.
Final Thoughts: The Road to Day 5
As we look past the NZ vs WI 3rd test Day 4, the equation is simple: New Zealand needs 10 wickets to win the series, while the West Indies need 419 runs—a feat never before achieved in the fourth innings of a Test match. With Ajaz Patel finding more turn from the rough and the pitch beginning to “plate,” the Black Caps are heavy favorites to wrap this up before the final session.
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