### New Zealand's Dominance in First Test Against West Indies: A Day of Record-Breaking Partnerships New Zealand has taken a commanding position in the first Test against the West Indies, leading by 481 runs after three days of play at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. The highlight of the day was a remarkable 279-run partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham, who scored 176 and 145 runs respectively. This partnership not only solidified New Zealand's lead but also effectively batted the West Indies out of contention for the match. At stumps on Day 3, New Zealand was at 417 for 4, having previously led by 64 runs after the first innings where the West Indies were bowled out for 167 [https://apnews.com/article/new-zealand-west-indies-first-test-day-three-3591bbc36ba0bc22d70af5a105c99196, https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/rachin-latham-tons-place-nz-in-total-control-vs-wi/20251204.htm]. ### Structure of the Summary 1. **Match Overview** - New Zealand's performance on Day 3. - Key players: Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham. 2. **Partnership Highlights** - Details of the 279-run partnership. - Individual scores and contributions. 3. **Match Context** - Summary of the first two days. - West Indies' performance and challenges. 4. **Future Implications** - What this lead means for the West Indies. - Expectations for the remaining days of the Test. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Scores at Stumps on Day 3**: - New Zealand: 417 for 4 - Lead: 481 runs - **Individual Contributions**: - Rachin Ravindra: 176 runs (27 boundaries) - Tom Latham: 145 runs - **First Innings Summary**: - New Zealand: 231 runs - West Indies: 167 runs (bowled out) [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/big-hundreds-by-ravindra-and-latham-flatten-west-indies, https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3719003-cricket-big-hundreds-by-ravindra-and-latham-flatten-west-indies]. ### Conclusion: New Zealand's Commanding Lead In summary, New Zealand's cricket team has established a **dominant position** in the first Test against the West Indies, primarily due to the outstanding performances of Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham. The following points encapsulate the current state of the match: 1. **Record Partnership**: The 279-run stand between Ravindra and Latham has set a solid foundation for New Zealand's innings. 2. **Substantial Lead**: With a 481-run lead, New Zealand is in a strong position to dictate the terms of the match. 3. **West Indies' Struggles**: The West Indies will need a remarkable turnaround to challenge New Zealand's lead in the remaining days of the Test. As the match progresses, all eyes will be on whether New Zealand can convert this advantage into a victory and how the West Indies will respond to this daunting challenge [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/1st_test_rachin_lathams_tons_help_nz_take_481_run_lead_over_wi_at_stumps_on_day_3/s1_17725_43157771, https://www.telecomasia.net/blog/1st-test-latham-ravindra-score-centuries-and-put-new-zealand-in-command].