In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, Justin Greaves scored a career-high 202 not out, guiding the West Indies to a draw against New Zealand in the first Test of the series in Christchurch. The Windies produced the second-highest fourth-innings total in Test history, narrowly falling short of a record chase that would have rewritten the cricketing record books.

---

West Indies defy the odds

The visitors had a difficult start to the match, being dismissed for just 167 in their first innings. New Zealand, led by Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra, quickly amassed 466-8 declared, setting West Indies an improbable target of 531 runs, 113 more than the highest successful Test chase ever recorded.

Despite the daunting task, the Windies showed remarkable determination, occupying the crease for almost two full days and refusing to surrender.

---

Greaves’ marathon innings

Greaves’ innings was nothing short of heroic. Facing 388 deliveries and batting for 564 minutes, he anchored the West Indies innings with a mix of patience and power. His efforts were complemented by Kemar Roach, who contributed a career-best 58 in a 180-run seventh-wicket partnership.

Earlier, Greaves had combined with captain Shai Hope for a 196-run fifth-wicket stand off 384 balls, helping to stabilize the innings after the Windies had slumped to 72-4 on day four. Hope scored a magnificent 140 off 234 balls, but his dismissal, followed quickly by wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach, left the responsibility on Greaves and Roach to see the team through.

---

New Zealand bowlers put up a fight

Despite the heroics of the West Indies batsmen, Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson provided stiff competition for the visitors. Duffy finished with match figures of 8-156, while injuries to Matt Henry and Nathan Smith hampered New Zealand’s bowling options.

Roach’s gritty half-century, scored off 233 balls, ensured the Windies negotiated the final overs to secure a draw, leaving New Zealand captain Tom Latham congratulating the visitors at 457-6.

---

Record chase and historical context

West Indies’ fourth-innings total of 457-6 is the second-highest fourth-innings score in Test history, highlighting the remarkable batting performance by Greaves. Had they completed the chase, it would have set a new record for the highest successful run chase in Test cricket, further cementing Greaves’ innings as one for the history books.

---

Next up: Wellington Test

The second Test between New Zealand and West Indies is scheduled to begin on 9 December in Wellington. After this thrilling encounter, both teams will be looking to build momentum, with West Indies hoping to turn their near-historic chase into a series-defining victory.

Fans and analysts will be keeping a close eye on Justin Greaves and the West Indies batting lineup, who have shown they can withstand pressure against a top-ranked New Zealand attack.