Latham and Ravindra’s Centuries Propel New Zealand Against West Indies

At Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand’s cricket team took a commanding lead against the West Indies during the first Test match of the 2025-27 World Test Championship. The Black Caps finished the day at 417 for 4, holding a substantial lead of 481 runs, thanks to impressive centuries from both Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra.

Latham, the New Zealand Test captain, ended a near three-year drought for a Test century, scoring 145 runs. He and Ravindra shared a remarkable 279-run partnership for the third wicket, marking the ninth highest for New Zealand in Test history. Ravindra led the charge with a superb 176 runs, contributing significantly to New Zealand’s dominance.

The West Indies struggled in the field, particularly regretting missed opportunities in the morning session. Two dropped catches off Justin Greaves’ bowling allowed Ravindra to capitalize early on, with the West Indies bowlers unable to maintain pressure. Ravindra’s performance marked his fourth Test century, and he had previously scored 240 against South Africa in February 2024.

As the sun shone brightly over Hagley Oval, New Zealand’s batting performance showcased their resilience and skill. Latham’s century came with a drive down the ground for three runs off Kemar Roach, marking his 14th Test century and his third at Hagley Oval. The 33-year-old’s innings were characterized by controlled aggression, as he scored all around the ground, particularly excelling through backward square and point.

Latham’s achievement was particularly noteworthy, as he had faced a long wait of 40 innings since his last Test century against Pakistan in Karachi on December 26, 2022. His joy was palpable as he celebrated with his bat raised high, drawing applause from the home crowd. His father, Rod Latham, a former New Zealand international, watched proudly from the stands.

New Zealand’s innings thrived after lunch, exploiting the best batting conditions of the match. The West Indies bowlers struggled with an older ball, and Latham and Ravindra took full advantage. New Zealand’s total of 6000 Test runs was also a milestone for Latham, joining a prestigious group of only four other New Zealand players to achieve this feat.

Despite the West Indies’ early promise in their first innings, where they reached 100 for 2, they ultimately collapsed to 167 all out. The team will reflect on missed opportunities, especially after losing key wickets, including Kane Williamson, to Roach just before lunch on day three.

Looking ahead, the West Indies face an uphill battle to achieve an improbable victory, needing to chase a record total at Hagley Oval. The current record chase at this venue stands at 285 runs, a thrilling accomplishment achieved by New Zealand against Sri Lanka in 2023. Given the West Indies’ fragile middle and lower order, the task appears daunting.

As the match progresses, New Zealand’s strong position sets the stage for a potential victory, marking an encouraging start to their World Test Championship campaign. The West Indies will need to regroup quickly if they hope to turn the tide in this encounter.