NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025: 5 Days of Unbelievable Drama – Epic Draw in Christchurch Full Recap & Analysis

Hey cricket fans! If you’re anything like us at IPL Star, you’ve probably been glued to your screens watching the red-ball magic unfold. The NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025 wasn’t just a match – it was a rollercoaster of emotions, from New Zealand’s commanding lead to West Indies’ gutsy fightback that ended in one of the most memorable draws in recent Test history. Imagine this: a target of 531 on a flattening pitch, two key Kiwi bowlers injured, and a Caribbean side staring down defeat. But then, enter Justin Greaves with an unbeaten 202 that felt like a punch to the gut for the hosts.

Was this draw a moral victory for West Indies or a missed chance for New Zealand? Stick around as we break it all down in this epic recap. Whether you’re a die-hard Test purist or just dipping your toes into international cricket, we’ve got the highlights, stats in easy-to-read tables, and analysis to keep you hooked. And hey, drop a comment below: Who was your hero of the match? Let’s chat!

Match Overview: The Stage Set for a Christchurch Thriller

The NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025 kicked off under overcast skies at Hagley Oval, Christchurch – a venue famous for its green tops that turn into batting dreamlands by the end. Hosted by Canterbury, this 20,000-capacity ground has seen its share of nail-biters, but none quite like this. West Indies won the toss and chose to bowl, banking on early seam movement. Little did they know, it would spark five days of pure drama.

This clash marked the start of West Indies’ tour of New Zealand in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. For the visitors, coming off a tough run with five straight losses, it was do-or-die for those precious WTC points. New Zealand, playing at home, aimed to build momentum. Umpires Alex Wharf and Paul Reiffel oversaw the action, with Javagal Srinath as referee – a nod to cricket’s global icons.

The result? A hard-fought draw that left fans buzzing. West Indies salvaged pride and their first WTC points, while New Zealand rued injuries to Matt Henry and Nathan Smith. But let’s get to the bones of it with our scorecard tables.

Full Scorecard: NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025 at a Glance

InningsTeamScoreOversResult
1st InningsNew Zealand231 all out70.3
1st InningsWest Indies167 all out75.4Trail by 64 runs
2nd InningsNew Zealand466/8 dec109Lead by 530 runs
2nd InningsWest Indies457/6163.3Match Drawn

Player of the Match: Justin Greaves (WI) – 2/35 & 202* WTC Points: West Indies 4 (first of the cycle); New Zealand 4

Source: ESPN Cricinfo Full Scorecard

New Zealand 1st Innings Batting Table

BatterDismissalRunsBalls4s6sSR
Tom Latham (c)c Imlach b Greaves24852028.24
Devon Conwayc Greaves b Roach02000.00
Kane Williamsonc Athanaze b Greaves521026050.98
Rachin Ravindrab Seales360050.00
Will Youngc Greaves b Layne14381036.84
Tom Blundell (wk)b Shields29392074.36
Michael Bracewellc Chanderpaul b Shields47736064.38
Nathan Smithc Campbell b Chase23613037.70
Zakary Foulkesc Imlach b Seales4160025.00
Matt Henryc Seales b Roach8520160.00
Jacob Duffynot out4210200.00
Extras(b4, lb7, w6, nb6)23
Total231/1070.3 oversRR: 3.28

West Indies 1st Innings Batting Table

BatterDismissalRunsBalls4s6sSR
John Campbellc Young b Foulkes120050.00
Tagenarine Chanderpaulc Conway b Foulkes521693030.77
Alick Athanazeb Henry4340011.76
Shai Hopec Latham b Duffy561074052.34
Roston Chase (c)c Latham b Henry08000.00
Justin Greavesc Latham b Henry03000.00
Tevin Imlach (wk)c Latham b Duffy14662021.21
Kemar Roachnot out10571017.54
Johann Laynec & b Duffy05000.00
Jayden Sealesb Duffy270028.57
Ojay Shieldsb Duffy03000.00
Extras(b10, lb6, w5, nb7)28
Total167/1075.4 oversRR: 2.21

New Zealand 2nd Innings Batting Table

BatterDismissalRunsBalls4s6sSR
Tom Latham (c)c Imlach b Roach14525012058.00
Devon Conwayc Hodge b Shields37787047.44
Kane Williamsonc Imlach b Roach9281032.14
Rachin Ravindrab Shields17618527195.14
Will Youngc Hope b Seales232130109.52
Michael Bracewellc Imlach b Roach24443054.55
Zakary Foulkesnot out11332033.33
Matt Henryc Imlach b Roach8601133.33
Jacob Duffyc & b Roach10920111.11
Extras(b4, lb8, w11)23
Total466/8 dec109 oversRR: 4.28
Did Not Bat: Tom Blundell (wk), Nathan Smith

West Indies 2nd Innings Batting Table

BatterDismissalRunsBalls4s6sSR
John Campbellc Bracewell b Duffy15383039.47
Tagenarine Chanderpaulc Latham b Duffy6451013.33
Alick Athanazec Foulkes b Bracewell5221022.73
Shai Hopec Latham b Duffy14023415259.83
Roston Chase (c)c Latham b Henry4151026.67
Justin Greavesnot out20238819052.06
Tevin Imlach (wk)lbw b Foulkes490044.44
Kemar Roachnot out582338024.89
Extras(b13, lb6, w1, nb3)23
Total457/6163.3 oversRR: 2.80
Did Not Bat: Johann Layne, Jayden Seales, Ojay Shields

Bowling Figures Table: Key Performers

BowlerTeamInningsOversMaidensRunsWicketsEconomy
Kemar RoachWINZ 1st1764722.80
Jayden SealesWINZ 1st15.334422.80
Ojay ShieldsWINZ 1st923423.80
Justin GreavesWINZ 1st1033523.50
Roston ChaseWINZ 1st821311.60
Jacob DuffyNZWI 1st17.473451.90
Matt HenryNZWI 1st2274332.00
Zakary FoulkesNZWI 1st1873221.80
Kemar RoachWINZ 2nd2267853.50
Jayden SealesWINZ 2nd2247213.30
Ojay ShieldsWINZ 2nd1737424.40
Jacob DuffyNZWI 2nd431012232.80
Michael BracewellNZWI 2nd551113812.50
Zakary FoulkesNZWI 2nd3368012.40
Matt HenryNZWI 2nd1142912.60

These tables capture the ebb and flow – New Zealand’s batting firepower in the second dig contrasted with West Indies’ unbreakable defense. For video vibes, check out Day 5 Highlights on YouTube. What a way to set the scene, right? Now, let’s rewind to how it all unfolded.

Day-by-Day Recap: 5 Days of Heart-Stopping Action in NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025

Every Test has its twists, but the NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025 felt like a script from a Hollywood blockbuster. Rain, injuries, centuries, and a chase that had us on the edge – here’s the blow-by-blow.

Day 1: Rain Clouds and Kiwi Resilience

Play started late due to wet conditions – classic Christchurch weather. New Zealand, batting first, lost Devon Conway early to Kemar Roach for a duck. But Kane Williamson steadied the ship with a gritty 52, his sixth boundary a classy drive through covers. West Indies’ seamers, led by Jayden Seales (2/44), kept it tight, but Michael Bracewell’s 47 pushed NZ to 231/9 by stumps. Bad light and rain saved Jacob Duffy’s wicket.

Key moment: Williamson’s half-century amid DRS drama – West Indies reviewed an LBW, but it was umpire’s call.

SessionScore at CloseKey Event
Pre-Lunch17/1Rain delay after 3.3 overs
Tea128/5Blundell-Shields partnership breaks
Stumps231/9Bad light halts play

Fans on X raved about Williamson’s composure. “Kiwis showing why home soil is gold,” tweeted one. Quiz time: How many extras did NZ concede? (Answer: 23 – sloppy starts hurt!)

Day 2: West Indies Wobble, NZ Build the Lead

West Indies’ reply began poorly – John Campbell out for 1. Tagenarine Chanderpaul (52) and Shai Hope (56) fought back for a 90-run stand, but Jacob Duffy’s five-for (5/34) triggered a collapse. The tail folded, all out for 167. Rain interrupted again, but NZ’s second innings opened with Tom Latham and Conway unbeaten at 32/0.

Duffy’s caught-and-bowled of Hope was pure gold – a dive that had commentators roaring. Injuries loomed: Nathan Smith limped off.

SessionScore at CloseKey Event
Lunch68/2Hope 50 off 83
Tea120/5Duffy’s spell: 3/10 in 5 overs
Stumps32/0 (NZ 2nd)Steady openers

This day shifted momentum – WI trailed by 64. “Duffy’s debut haul is legendary,” said Cricbuzz experts. What if WI had batted first? Would the green pitch have bitten more?

Day 3: Ravindra’s Rampage Puts NZ in Cruise Control

Pure batting bliss! Latham (145) and Rachin Ravindra (176) piled on a 279-run third-wicket alliance – Ravindra’s 27 fours and one six screamed aggression. NZ reached 417/4, with Will Young (23) falling late. West Indies toiled, but Roach snared 2/78.

Ravindra’s 50 off 52 balls turned the tide. “This lad’s got Bazball in his veins,” joked a fan on X.

SessionScore at CloseKey Event
Lunch100/2Latham 50
Tea233/2Ravindra 100
Stumps417/4279-run stand ends

By day’s end, NZ led by 481. The pitch? Starting to ease up.

Day 4: Declaration Drama and WI’s Revival

NZ declared at 466/8, setting 531 – ambitious! Roach’s five-for (5/78) included Latham’s wicket. WI slumped to 72/4, but Hope (116*) and Greaves (55*)’s 140-run stand turned heads. Hope’s ton came despite an eye infection – warrior stuff.

Duffy struck twice more, but the partnership held. Stumps: 212/4, 319 needed.

SessionScore at CloseKey Event
Lunch20/0Steady start
Tea107/4Top order crumbles
Stumps212/4Hope-Greaves unbroken

“WI’s lower order showing teeth,” noted India Today. Watch Day 4 Highlights – that Hope pull shot? Chef’s kiss!

Day 5: Greaves’ Masterclass Seals the Epic Draw

The finale! Hope added 24 to reach 140 before gloving Duffy to Latham. Imlach (4) followed lbw to Foulkes – 277/6, 254 needed. Enter Greaves and Roach: 180 unbroken, facing 409 balls. Greaves’ 202* (19 fours, 564 mins) – his maiden double ton in the penultimate over. Roach’s 58* (233 balls) was his best ever.

NZ burned reviews, dropped Roach thrice. Bracewell bowled 55 overs – heroic but fruitless. Draw at 457/6 after 163.3 overs.

SessionScore at CloseKey Event
Lunch295/6Greaves 100
Tea399/6Roach 50
Stumps457/6Greaves 200*

X exploded: “WI’s rearguard > any T20 thriller!” Historic? You bet.

Standout Players: Heroes Who Defined the NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025

In a match of giants, a few shone brighter. Let’s spotlight the stars – their stats, stories, and why they mattered.

Justin Greaves: The Unbreakable Anchor (Player of the Match)

Greaves wasn’t just batting; he was building a fortress. His 202* off 388 balls – more than half his career deliveries in one go – rescued WI from 92/4 to safety. From support act to lead singer in the 196-run stand with Hope, then masterminding the record 180 with Roach.

Quote: “Special day… Kemar guided me. Hasn’t sunk in yet.” Technique? Solid defense, reined-in flair. Impact: WI’s first WTC points.

StatValueContext
Runs202*Maiden double ton, 564 mins
Balls Faced388Longest WI 4th innings knock since 1930
Partnership180* (w/Roach)Record 7th-wkt 4th innings

Poll: Greaves’ grit or flair? Vote in comments!

Shai Hope: Century Warrior Amid Ailments

Hope’s 140 (15 fours, 2 sixes) was poetry – battling an eye infection, he anchored after 72/4. His 56 in the first innings set the tone too. “Class act in red-ball,” said captain Chase.

StatValueContext
Runs (2nd Inn)140196-run stand w/Greaves
Boundaries17Aggressive yet composed
DismissalGloved short ballLapse after marathon

Hope’s Ton Highlights

Kemar Roach: Veteran Defiance at 37

Roach’s 58* off 233 – highest FC score – was tail-end mastery. Just 5 runs off his last 104 balls? Stonewall perfection. Plus 7 wickets overall.

Quote: “Batted like his life depended on it.”

StatValueContext
Runs58*Maiden 50, 233 balls (record at No.8)
Wickets7 total5/78 in NZ 2nd
Drops3Cost NZ dearly

Rachin Ravindra: NZ’s Batting Firecracker

Ravindra’s 176 (95.14 SR) lit up Day 3 – 27 fours, one six in a 279-run stand with Latham. “Future star,” fans chimed.

StatValueContext
Runs176Career-best, aggressive
Boundaries28Powered 531 target
ImpactLead builderSet epic chase stage

Jacob Duffy: Unsung Bowling Hero

Duffy’s 8/156 total – including 5/34 – was back-breaking. 43 overs on Day 5? Legend status.

StatValueContext
Wickets8Maiden 5-fer
Overs (Day 5)43Fatigue fighter
Economy2.80Tight lines

Others like Latham (145+24) and Williamson (52+9) shone, but these five flipped the script. Who’s your MVP? Tell us!

Tactical Breakdown: Strategies, Slip-Ups, and Turning Points in NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025

Tactics make or break Tests. Here, NZ’s aggression met WI’s grit – but injuries and decisions tipped the scales.

New Zealand’s Game Plan: Attack Mode with a Catch

Captain Latham declared at 466/8 for max pressure – bold on a flat track. But losing Henry (hamstring) and Smith (calf) mid-Test left them with rookies Foulkes and Duffy. Plan B: Spin from Bracewell (55 overs) and short-ball barrages. It nearly worked – two close calls on Roach (LBW, edge) without reviews.

Slip-up: Early DRS burns on Hope and Imlach. “Huge loss of seamers,” Latham admitted.

Pros: Batting depth (Ravindra’s flair). Cons: Over-reliance on tired pacers.

West Indies’ Shift: Survival Over Spectacle

Bowling first? Backfired with 167. But in the chase, post-72/4, it was defense-first. Hope-Greaves rebuilt, then Greaves-Roach stonewalled. Post-tea Day 5, with 132 off 33 overs, they hunkered down – smart, given the tail’s first-innings flop.

Quote: Chase: “Batsmen wanted to bat safe.”

TacticWI ExecutionOutcome
Rebuild Partnerships196 (Hope-Greaves)From 92/4 to belief
Dead-Bat DefenseRoach’s last 104 balls: 5 runsWore down NZ
Rotate Strike180-run 7th-wktRecord defiance

Turning Points: The ‘What If’ Moments

  1. Hope’s Glove (Day 5 Lunch): 268/5 – opened tail door, but Greaves-Roach slammed it shut.
  2. Roach Drops: Three off Bracewell – cost 28 runs minimum.
  3. Burned Reviews: NZ’s LBW on Roach (pitched outside leg) – would’ve overturned.
  4. Injuries: Henry/Smith out – 76 overs from Foulkes-Duffy duo.

Pitch evolved from seamer’s paradise to batting bliss, aiding WI. Wisden Analysis on Injuries. Question: Did NZ’s declaration backfire? Debate below!

Records Shattered: Historic Feats from the NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025 Epic Draw

This wasn’t just a draw – it rewrote books. WI’s resilience etched new marks.

  • Highest 4th Innings Total in Time-Bound Test: 457/6 (2nd ever, behind England’s 654/5 in 1939 timeless).
  • Longest WI 4th Innings: 163.3 overs (since 1930).
  • Record 7th-Wkt 4th Innings Stand: 180* (Greaves-Roach) – beats Tendulkar-Prabhakar’s 140* (1987).
  • Most Balls Faced at No.8+ in 4th Innings: Roach’s 233.
  • Greaves’ Feat: 564 mins – longest individual 4th innings vigil for WI.
RecordHolder(s)PreviousMatch Impact
7th-Wkt 4th Inn StandGreaves-Roach 180*Tendulkar-Prabhakar 140*Sealed draw
WI 4th Inn Overs163.31930 vs EnglandEndurance test
Highest 4th Inn Total (Timed)WI 457/6Aus 418/7 (2006)Chase benchmark

“Minor miracle turned full-blown,” per YouTube recap. Internal link: Our WI Tour Preview.

Post-Match Reactions: Joy, Frustration, and Inspiration

The dressing rooms buzzed – WI celebrated like a win, NZ pondered what-ifs.

WI Captain Roston Chase: “First WTC points feel lovely. Proud of Greaves, Roach, Hope – beautiful to watch. Need deeper 1st innings batting next.”

Greaves: “Resilient – our dressing room word. Special for the team; Kemar the pro got me through.”

NZ Captain Tom Latham: “Had it all – positioned to win, but couldn’t break through. Injuries to Henry/Smith massive; Duffy/Bracewell heroes.”

Fans? X lit up: “WI inspiring Caribbean kids – draw feels like victory!” (@offpacedelivery). Some griped: “Should’ve chased – losers’ mentality.” (@ShubhamLove0). Neutral take: “Gritty draw > easy win.” (@BarryOKeeffe68).

News18: “Greaves’ double hundred earns valiant draw.” Share your reaction – was it epic or frustrating?

Series Implications and WTC Shake-Up from NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025

This draw flips the script. For WI, momentum heads to Wellington (Dec 10-14) – first points break a skid, boosting morale under coach Floyd Reifer. “Process showing,” tweeted Caribbean Cricket Podcast. Key: Fix top-order woes for 300+ first innings.

NZ? Home edge intact, but injuries linger – replacements needed. WTC table: Both at 4 points; Kiwis lead on NRR. Broader: Revives Test talk amid T20 noise. “Vintage rearguard > Bazball,” per fans.

Preview: Basin Reserve’s swing? WI’s bowlers could strike. Internal: 2nd Test Predictions. FAQ: Why epic? Resilience + records = timeless cricket.

Conclusion: Why the NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025 Will Live Forever

From rain-soaked starts to Greaves’ marathon, this was Test cricket’s soul – patience, fight, drama. WI’s draw? A win for the format. NZ pushed hard, but fortune favored the brave.

At IPL Star, we’re buzzing for more. Subscribe for Wellington updates, and comment: Predict the series winner! Thanks for reading – cricket’s better together.

New Zealand vs West Indies Test Series 2025!

FAQs: NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025: Epic Draw in Christchurch – Full Recap, Highlights, and Analysis

1. What was the result of NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025 in Christchurch?

The match ended in a thrilling draw. West Indies successfully batted out 163.3 overs in the fourth innings to finish at 457/6 while chasing a mammoth target of 531 set by New Zealand at Hagley Oval.

2. Who scored a double century in NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025?

Justin Greaves scored an unbeaten 202 off 388 balls — his maiden Test double century and the cornerstone of West Indies’ epic rearguard that saved the match on Day 5.

3. How did Justin Greaves and Kemar Roach save the Christchurch Test for West Indies?

Greaves (202*) and Roach (58*) added an unbroken 180-run seventh-wicket partnership facing 409 balls together. It is the highest seventh-wicket stand in the fourth innings in Test history and helped West Indies draw a game they were expected to lose inside four days.

4. What records were broken during the NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025?

  • Highest fourth-innings total in a time-bound Test (457/6)
  • Longest fourth innings for West Indies in 95 years (163.3 overs)
  • Highest seventh-wicket partnership in fourth innings (Greaves-Roach 180*)
  • Most balls faced by a West Indian in the fourth innings since 1930 (Greaves 388)

5. Who won Player of the Match in NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025?

Justin Greaves was named Player of the Match for his match-saving unbeaten 202 and crucial first-innings bowling (2/35).

6. Why did New Zealand struggle to win the Christchurch Test despite leading by 530 runs?

New Zealand lost both frontline seamers Matt Henry and Nathan Smith to injury during the match, leaving Jacob Duffy (76 overs across innings) and Zakary Foulkes to shoulder the load. They also exhausted all reviews before the final session, missing two strong chances against Kemar Roach.

7. How many World Test Championship points did West Indies earn from the draw?

West Indies collected their first 4 points of the 2025-27 WTC cycle, moving off the bottom of the table. New Zealand also earned 4 points.

8. Who took a five-wicket haul in the NZ vs WI 1st Test 2025?

  • Jacob Duffy (New Zealand) – 5/34 in West Indies’ first innings (his maiden Test five-for)
  • Kemar Roach (West Indies) – 5/78 in New Zealand’s second innings

9. What was Shai Hope’s contribution in the epic Christchurch draw?

Hope scored a fighting 140 (234 balls) in the fourth innings despite battling an eye infection. His 196-run fifth-wicket partnership with Greaves turned the game from 92/4 into a position of hope before he fell shortly after drinks on Day 5.

10. When and where is the 2nd Test between New Zealand and West Indies in 2025?

The second and final Test will be played at Basin Reserve, Wellington from December 10–14, 2025. After the heroic draw in Christchurch, West Indies carry massive momentum into the decider.

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