Christchurch : These days most Test matches finish within two or three days, but the opening Test between West Indies and New Zealand went down to a thrilling final phase before eventually ending in a draw. Chasing a massive 531, West Indies reached 457/6, finishing just 74 runs short of a historic victory. Yet, the ability to avoid defeat while chasing such a colossal fourth-innings target counts as a major achievement for the Caribbean side.
West Indies rise to No. 2 on all-time list
In the 148-year history of Test cricket, West Indies’ 457/6 now stands as the second-highest fourth-innings total of all time. The top position belongs to England, who made 654/5 in pursuit of 696 against South Africa at Durban in 1939, a match declared a draw due to lack of time.
West Indies also hold the record for the highest successful chase—418/7 against Australia at St John’s in 2003.
By posting 457/6, the West Indies have surpassed New Zealand’s 451-run effort (vs England in Christchurch, 2002), moving into second place on the list of highest fourth-innings totals.
India once chased 429 but couldn’t win
At The Oval in 1979, India finished at 429/8 chasing 438 against England, falling just nine runs short as the match ended in a draw. The efforts of Sunil Gavaskar (221 off 443), Chetan Chauhan (80 off 263) and Dilip Vengsarkar (52) went in vain, despite a memorable 213-run opening stand.
India’s highest fourth-innings total in a loss: 445
India’s highest fourth-innings score is 445 (vs Australia, 1978), when they were chasing 493, ultimately losing by 48 runs.
Greaves’ double century goes in vain
In Christchurch, with the match ending in a draw, the superb efforts of Player of the Match Justin Greaves (202 off 388), Shai Hope (140 off 234) and Kemar Roach (58 off 233) could not deliver a victory. Greaves and Roach added a remarkable unbeaten 180-run partnership.
Scores from the drawn Test
Among New Zealand’s bowlers, Jacob Duffy claimed the most wickets with three.
The totals from all four innings were:
New Zealand 1st innings: 231
West Indies 1st innings: 167
New Zealand 2nd innings: 466/8 declared
West Indies 2nd innings: 457/6 chasing 531.
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