In a masterful display of Test cricket, New Zealand’s opening batsmen delivered a commanding performance against the West Indies at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on December 18. Captain Tom Latham’s unconventional decision to bat first on a seemingly bowler-friendly pitch proved inspired as the hosts finished the day at an imposing 334-1.
The day belonged to the opening partnership of Latham and Devon Conway, who constructed a monumental 323-run stand—New Zealand’s second-highest opening partnership in Test history and the highest partnership for any wicket across all international Test matches in 2025. The collaboration lasted until just three overs before stumps when Latham finally departed for 137 runs from 245 deliveries.
Conway remained unbeaten on 178 at day’s end, having faced 279 balls throughout the entire day’s play. The South African-born batsman now approaches his highest Test score, the double century he made on debut against England in 2021.
Latham’s decision to bat first defied conventional wisdom in New Zealand Test cricket, marking the first time in 14 years that a Kiwi captain had chosen to bat first after winning the toss on home soil. The pitch’s green appearance proved deceptive, with the surface playing considerably better than anticipated.
The West Indies bowling attack, already compromised by their selection of an extra batsman at the expense of a bowler, struggled to maintain consistent pressure. While Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales delivered economical opening spells, the toll on their three-seamer attack became increasingly evident as the day progressed.
Both centurions reached their milestones with contrasting styles—Conway’s century came off 147 balls with 17 boundaries, while Latham displayed immense patience for his 15th Test century, reached from 183 deliveries. The partnership milestones accumulated throughout the day, eventually surpassing the 304-run mark to become the highest Test partnership of the calendar year.
New Zealand leads the three-match series 1-0 heading into this final Test, with nightwatchman Jacob Duffy joining Conway at the crease to resume batting on day two.