Justin Greaves produced one of the greatest rearguard epics in modern Test cricket, bringing up his maiden Test double century in unforgettable style.
Jacob Duffy to Justin Greaves, FOUR — and with that stroke, Greaves raised his arms, punched the air, and smiled wide as Hagley Oval stood to applaud him. His teammates rose in unison, Kemar Roach ran down for a tight embrace, and the West Indies dressing room erupted. It was a moment that embodied perseverance, grit, and pure Test-match craftsmanship.
The milestone came off a fuller ball outside off, which Greaves opened the bat-face to and square-drove beautifully past point. A shot worthy of a landmark innings.
From that moment on, West Indies were not just fighting — they were breaking New Zealand’s ego as the hosts threw everything at them in the final overs, looking to claim the last four wickets before stumps.
New Zealand surrounded the bat with close-in fielders, sledged, appealed aggressively, and burned all their reviews, believing victory was still within reach. For a while, it seemed the Kiwis were certain they would seal the win in the last over of the day.
But Greaves and Roach stood firm.
With three balls remaining in the day’s play, reality set in. The breakthrough wasn’t coming.
Ravindra to Justin Greaves, no run — defended solidly.
The fielders paused.
And then, finally, both captains walked toward each other.
The players shook hands. The match ended in a draw.
A draw that felt like a West Indies victory, driven single-handedly by Justin Greaves’ monumental 202* and Kemar Roach’s stoic 58*.
A chase of 531 turned into a statement of character — and a reminder of why Test cricket remains unparalleled.