Hope holds firm as NZ sets stiff chase for Windies: 1st Test, Day 4 (Christchurch)

Shai Hope stood firm after New Zealand set the West Indies a monumental 531-run target after declaring at 466/8.

Day 4 in Christchurch belonged to the visitors’ resistance as Hope crafted a superb unbeaten 116 and, together with Justin Greaves (55)*, carried the West Indies to 212/4 at stumps, their 140-run stand keeping the contest alive despite still trailing by 319. 

New Zealand’s bowling was noticeably weakened, with Matt Henry, Tom Blundell, and Nathan Smith all sidelined through injury, limiting their penetration, while earlier Kemar Roach had claimed 5-78 to bowl the hosts out and set up the chase.

With six wickets in hand but a huge mountain still ahead, the West Indies enter Day 5 needing a near-perfect final push against a depleted Kiwi attack.

West Indies 167 and 212 for 4 (Hope 116*, Greaves 55*, Duffy 2-60) trail New Zealand 231 and 466 for 8 dec (Ravindra 176, Latham 145, Roach 5-78) by 319 runs.

Dec 2025.