• Shai Hope smashed his fourth Test century (116* off 183) in a defiant knock on Day 4 of the Christchurch Test.

  • Hope keeps West Indies' audacious pursuit alive against New Zealand with 319 runs still needed and six wickets in hand.

Fans go gaga as Shai Hope hammers a brilliant century to lift West Indies on Day 4 of Christchurch Test against New Zealand
Shai Hope hammers a brilliant century lifting West Indies at the end of Day 4 in Christchurch Test (Image source: X)

In the gripping opening Test of West Indies’ tour of New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, Shai Hope delivered a match-defining performance on Day 4. New Zealand posted 231 in their first innings, with Kane Williamson top-scoring on 52, before West Indies replied with 167, highlighted by Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s gritty 52 and Hope’s first-innings 56. The hosts then dominated their second dig, declaring at 466 for 8 after centuries from Tom Latham (145) and Rachin Ravindra (176), setting West Indies a monumental 531-run victory target—the fourth-highest chase in Test history.​

Shai Hope’s fiery hundred on Day 4 of Christchurch Test

Hope anchored the West Indies second innings amid early collapses, reaching his fourth Test century with an elegant inside-out drive off Ravindra in the 56.4 over, finishing unbeaten on 116 from 183 balls with 15 fours and a six. Facing seaming conditions and minimal support—losing John Campbell (15), Tagenarine Chanderpaul (6), Alick Athanaze (5), and captain Roston Chase (4) to end at 212 for 4 after 74 overs—Hope’s resolute knock, his first in the fourth innings, silenced critics and echoed his prior tons against England and Bangladesh. Justin Greaves provided stout resistance with 55 not out, forging a crucial 140-run fifth-wicket stand as the last 10 overs yielded just 18 runs at 1.80. Fans erupted online, hailing Hope’s “mission-mode” resilience despite an eye infection sidelining him briefly.​

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra notch dazzling centuries as New Zealand seize command on Day 3 of 1st Test against West Indies

West Indies’ audacious chase attempt keeps the contest alive

West Indies began the mammoth pursuit steadily, reaching 20 for 0 at lunch with Campbell and Chanderpaul cautious against Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy. Disaster struck post-lunch as Duffy struck twice early—Campbell edging to Michael Bracewell at 24 for 1 in 12.5 overs, then Chanderpaul caught by Latham at 25 for 2 next over—before Bracewell removed Athanaze at 55 for 3. Chase fell to Henry at 72 for 4 in 28.3 overs, leaving Hope to rebuild with Greaves amid Hagley Oval’s testing bounce.​

Hope’s fifty off 72 balls fueled the 100 in 37.6 overs, their fifty partnership in 93 balls swelled to 100 in 173, pushing past 150 in 53.1 overs and 200 in 66.6. Greaves notched his fifty off 123 deliveries, but New Zealand’s bowlers—Duffy (2-65), Bracewell (1-54), Henry (1-29)—kept the required run rate hovering above seven. At stumps, West Indies needed 319 more with six wickets intact, current rate 2.86, as Hope’s enterprise offered faint hopes of eclipsing Hagley Oval’s 285 fourth-innings record. The final day promises tension, with New Zealand eyeing quick breakthroughs.

Also READ: West Indies bowling attack crushes New Zealand batting order to dominate opening day of Christchurch Test

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About the Author:
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on , , and .