Record-making openers propel New Zealand into commanding position

Fresh off massive hundreds in the first innings, Tom Latham (101) and Devon Conway (100) continued to pile on the runs at the Bay Oval in the second innings on Day 4. The duo became the first pair of openers to register hundreds in both innings of a Test. After quick cameos from Rachin Ravindra (46*) and Kane Williamson (40*), New Zealand declared on 306 for 2 in just 54 overs, setting West Indies a target of 462. John Campbell and Brandon King survived the initial test, taking the tourists to Stumps at 43 for 0.

The morning began with Jacob Duffy removing overnight batter Anderson Phillip, caught behind. In his next over, he picked up Shai Hope, miscuing a pull to fine-leg. Kavem Hodge took the visitors past 400, but the innings ended at 420.

With a lead of 155 runs, Conway and Latham began cautiously. Conway, following his double-hundred, drove through the covers to take New Zealand unharmed into Lunch. After the break, the openers attacked Roston Chase with sweeps and found success. Conway brought up his 50, and Latham soon followed.

The 100-partnership was brought up, and they reached 150 within the 32nd over. Conway nurdled through the nineties before reaching his 100 in the over before Tea, after which Latham switched gears, scoring a six and two fours in an 18-run over.

Three balls after Tea, Conway was caught in the deep off Hodge. Latham quickly brought up his hundred before falling in the next over, again to a catch off Hodge's bowling. Williamson added boundaries while Ravindra smashed four sixes in his 46. The pair hit Chase for three sixes in a single over before the declaration came.

With 16 overs to survive, West Indies began positively. King scored boundaries, while Campbell defended. The openers remain unbeaten, with Campbell on two off 50 balls and King on 36 off 47. The visitors need 419 runs to win.

Brief Scores:
New Zealand 575 (Devon Conway 227, Tom Latham 137) & 306/2 d (Tom Latham 101, Devon Conway 100)
West Indies 420 (Kavem Hodge 123*, Brandon King 63) & 43/0 (Brandon King 37*, John Campbell 2*)
New Zealand lead by 418 runs.