"What a fight shown" - Fans react as West Indies battle to draw First Test vs New Zealand

The West Indies, led by Roston Chase, drew the first Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday, December 6. Notably, the Men in Maroon earned their first points in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings after suffering back-to-back defeats earlier in the ongoing cycle.

The Windies began Day 5 at 212-4 with Shai Hope (116) and Justin Greaves (55) at the crease. Hope was dismissed for 140 runs before the lunch break. He and Greaves frustrated the Kiwis bowlers with a 186-run partnership in 64 overs. Tevin Imlach managed to score as the West Indies lost their sixth wicket at 277.

Justin Greaves and Kemar Roach Deny New Zealand a Wicket in the Session

Justin Greaves and Kemar Roach batted brilliantly through the session and did not let New Zealand take a single wicket. They added 104 runs in the session by rotating the strike well and finding boundaries when needed.

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Greaves started the session on 97 and reached his hundred in the first over after lunch. He then continued to bat confidently and brought up his first 150 in Test cricket. Roach supported him well and also reached his fifty.

New Zealand created a few chances, but they were not taken. Roach was dropped twice, on 30 and 47, and he also survived a run-out attempt when the throw missed the stumps. New Zealand were missing their main bowlers, but the West Indies deserved full credit for how well they batted while chasing 531.

West Indies Pull Off Stunning Fourth-Innings Fight to Draw Christchurch Test

The West Indies pulled off a remarkable draw against New Zealand in Christchurch. Chasing a huge target, they refused to give up and batted through the final day with great determination.

The visitors finished on 457 for 6, which is now their highest-ever score in the fourth innings of a Test match. Justin Greaves and Kemar Roach were the heroes of the day, adding an unbeaten 180-run stand for the seventh wicket and keeping New Zealand’s bowlers frustrated.

The West Indies showed strong discipline and patience, facing 163.3 overs, the second-most they have ever played in a fourth innings. Their resistance ensured the match ended in a hard-fought draw and earned praise from fans for their fighting spirit.

Fans React as West Indies Battle to Draw First Test vs New Zealand

🚨 WEST INDIES HAS BATTED 163.3 OVERS IN THE 4th INNINGS TO GET A DRAW IN NEW ZEALAND 🤯

Justin Greaves - 202*(388)
Shai Hope - 140(234)
Kemar Roach - 58*(233)

From 72/4 to 457/6 while chasing 531 runs...!!! There is hope in West Indies cricket. pic.twitter.com/lRsjuLl6GT

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 6, 2025

What a fight shown this from West Indies. Excellent partnership from Greaves and Roach so far. Another under rated player Justin Greaves.

— Prasanna (@prasannalara) December 6, 2025

Well played, Justin Greaves. What an effort.

This will not shut up the “West Indies should not play Test cricket” snobs for good, but at least they will hesitate for the next few weeks.

— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) December 6, 2025

Justin Greaves, you are scripting a history. The Entelechy of West Indies cricket off the late and in particularly this tour has been noteworthy.

— Alok Ranjan 🇮🇳 (@itsalokranjan) December 6, 2025

West Indies bro!! Tf have I awoken up to, this is brilliant 🤯👏#NZvWI pic.twitter.com/IZ6bxrGN8d

— Lawrence Bailey (@LawrenceBailey0) December 6, 2025

WTF is this West Indies just bottled a record run chase in test cricket history 😭🙏🏻
Your downfall is real you deserve this 😭
pic.twitter.com/iba8Fyktrc

— 𝚅𝚊𝚛𝚞𝚗¹⁸ (@varunx18) December 6, 2025

Only 7 batters ever have scored a double hundred in the fourth innings. 4 of them are from the West Indies, Justin Greaves being the latest.

— Tareque Laskar (@tarequelaskar) December 6, 2025

Also read: Will Jacks pulls off stunning catch to dismiss Steve Smith in Gabba Test