West Indies Struggle Against New Zealand's Dominance
The West Indies are facing an uphill battle in the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch. At tea on day four, they were reeling at 107-4, chasing a mammoth 531 for victory. Shai Hope, battling an eye infection, provided the only real resistance, remaining not out on 57 after scoring 56 in the first innings. Justine Greaves supported with 16.
With only six wickets remaining, the West Indies need a further 424 runs to win. They would have to break their own record for a fourth-innings chase, surpassing the 418-7 they scored against Australia in 2003.
Earlier, openers John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul looked comfortable, surviving 11 overs before lunch after New Zealand declared their second innings at 466-8. However, Jacob Duffy's two wickets in three balls after the break, along with one each from Michael Bracewell and Matt Henry, shifted the momentum firmly in New Zealand's favour.
Duffy's Double Strike
Duffy, who claimed five wickets in the first innings, dismissed Campbell for 15 with a seaming delivery that nicked the edge. In his next over, he had Chanderpaul caught behind for six.
Bracewell and Henry Join the Attack
Bracewell picked up an easy wicket, accounting for Alick Athanaze (five) with a short-pitched delivery that was spooned to Zak Foulkes at mid-on. Henry, who had been troubled by a hamstring issue, returned to remove captain Roston Chase for four.
New Zealand's Innings
New Zealand resumed the day at 417-4 and added 49 runs in an hour before Kemar Roach ended the innings, taking a return catch from Duffy (10). Roach also took the wickets of Bracewell and Henry to finish with 5-78. Tom Blundell (hamstring) and Nathan Smith (side strain) were ruled out for the rest of the test.
Can the West Indies pull off a miracle, or will New Zealand seal a dominant victory?