### West Indies Achieve Remarkable Draw Against New Zealand in First Test In a thrilling conclusion to the first Test match at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, the West Indies managed to secure a draw against New Zealand, thanks to an extraordinary performance by Justin Greaves. Greaves scored an unbeaten 202 runs, leading his team to withstand a daunting target of 531 runs set by the Kiwis. This match marked the beginning of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, and the West Indies showcased resilience against a depleted New Zealand bowling attack, which struggled to take wickets on the final day of play. ### Breakdown of the Match Dynamics 1. **Key Performers**: - **Justin Greaves**: Scored an unbeaten 202, batting for nearly 9.5 hours and forming a crucial partnership with Shai Hope, who contributed 140 runs [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/windies-draw-with-new-zealand-after-epic-greaves-double-ton/20251206.htm]. - **Kemar Roach**: Provided vital support with an unbeaten 58, helping to solidify the West Indies' defense [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/cricket/news/greaves-double-ton-earns-west-indies-draw-first-nz-test-4051761]. 2. **Match Statistics**: - The West Indies batted for a total of **163 overs**, successfully defending against New Zealand's bowling attack [https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/stats-west-indies-epic-4th-innings-draw-records-new-zealand-2025-10405445]. - The partnership between Greaves and Roach for the 7th wicket set a record, showcasing their determination to hold off the New Zealand bowlers [https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/sports/cricket/news/justin-greaves-kemar-roach-new-zealand-vs-west-indies-first-test-draw-shai-hope-roston-chase-tom-latham-136597889.html]. 3. **Match Context**: - New Zealand had set a formidable target of 531 runs, which would have been a record chase for the West Indies [https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2025/Dec/06/justin-greaves-202-earns-the-west-indies-a-draw-with-new-zealand-in-the-1st-test]. - The match was characterized by a "blockathon" strategy from the West Indies, focusing on survival rather than aggressive scoring [https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/nz-vs-wi-1st-test-key-stats-and-report/story]. ### Summary of Findings **Conclusion**: The West Indies' performance in this Test match was marked by exceptional individual efforts, particularly from Justin Greaves, whose double century was pivotal in achieving a draw. The match highlighted the team's resilience and strategic approach to batting under pressure. 1. **Greaves' Historic Performance**: His unbeaten 202 not only saved the match but also set a tone for the series ahead [https://www.socialnews.xyz/2025/12/06/justin-greaves-unbeaten-202-lead-west-indies-to-epic-draw-in-christchurch]. 2. **Team Dynamics**: The partnership with Roach was crucial, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in high-pressure situations [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/cricket/news/greaves-double-ton-earns-west-indies-draw-first-nz-test-4051761]. 3. **Future Implications**: This match sets a promising precedent for the West Indies as they embark on the ICC World Test Championship cycle, showcasing their potential to compete against top teams [https://www.indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/stats-west-indies-epic-4th-innings-draw-records-new-zealand-2025-10405445]. The West Indies' ability to draw this match against New Zealand not only reflects their fighting spirit but also sets the stage for an exciting series ahead.