New Zealand 231 & 466-8 dec. (Ravindra 176, Latham 145, Roach 5-7 need 6 wickets to beat West Indies 167 & 212-4 (Hope 116*, Greaves 55*, Jacob Duffy 2-65)

Fight, at last! A 140-run unbroken fifth-wicket stand between Shai Hope and Justin Greaves has ensured that the first Test between the West Indies and New Zealand in Christchurch will go the distance. 

Hope’s 116* was as fluent as it was timely. His knock pioneered West Indies’ recovery from 2 for 25 to 212 for 4 at stumps in their second innings.

The Caribbean side lost openers John Campbell (15) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (6) cheaply, while Alick Athanaze (5) once again failed to stick around. Hope, however, found a partner in Greaves, who fought his way to a gritty 55*.

The pair will resume batting when the visitors begin the final day, still an unimaginable 319 runs from victory.

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Well done thus far.

La Cucaracha did his thing. No surprise dey.

The fielders were miserable as usual.

The batting is a nightmare, so not surprise.

Hope scored a brilliant unbeaten century, no surprise dey.

This team is still struggling.

However, only a optimist would have expected them to beat Australia or Hindia.

What I want is to see improvement and effort.

People here cuss Hope, buy I am biased towards him.

Hope averaged 40 plus in Hindia.

He is on his 3rd consecutive 50 plus score.

He looks better without the wicketkeeping burden.

Hope Scammy can use that in white ball as well.

Unfortunately Pooran retired, which makes that option harder,

but we have Jangoo, as a possibility for ODI at least.

Windies bowling doing fair, but still too wayward and lacks back up fielding.

A better bowling attack and fielding would have reduced Kiwis to under 100 in 1st innings.

Let's see what happens on the 5th day.

I am Hopeful for a Greaves result.

319 is not off the cards, with a depleted Kiwi attack.

The right attitude will see history set tomorrow.

it would be a herculean effort to win this test match not impossible preferably these two need to bat to the end .to make sure they are only two results in this match draw or win .

A draw is in the realm of possibilities if Hope and Greave can batterva good part of the fifth day. Henry isn't available for the Kiwis is he?

@InHindsight

Are you serious? Getting this to day 5 is a victory for me. Hope and Greaves in the middle for a long time with only Imlach in the shed. Roach can only hold an end. "Hope" you are correct but you are asking for too much.

@Mustwin

I don't think that I am asking for too much.

When Hope scored his twin tons,

everyone thought the match was over.

Hope told the coach, that Windies winning the game.

All is takes is positive attitude, concentration and proper batting.

There is nothing really wrong with accepting defeat by a few runs;

however, I believe that we are in with a chance to draw or even win.

I only watch the first session of the games, but that session tomorrow will determine the mindset.

do not think that all out defensive batting is warranted. Go for broke.

@InHindsight No confirmation on Henry yet.

@TanteMerle

Getting 300 on a 5th day is a stretch, I will be happy if we batted to lunch or tea.

@CaribbeanCricket.com

Looks like NZ leave out their best bowlers,that could be the only reason they haven't lost yet.

@tc1

Don't get me wrong, I am please with their reaching the 5th day.

I believe that they have a chance to win this.

Let's hope the weather assists.

Let's hope VOR and Chrissy remain off these treads.

Dem two can goatmouth any team, but I still love dem.

😂

@TanteMerle

I like your optimistic approach. I am wishing for the best outcome.