Mount Maunganui, 20 December (H.S.): A superb unbeaten century by Kavem Hodge helped West Indies stage a strong comeback against New Zealand on the third day of the final Test at Bay Oval on Saturday. By stumps, the visitors had reached 381 for 6, still trailing New Zealand’s first-innings total by 194 runs. Hodge brought up his second Test hundred, remaining unbeaten on 109, and ensured his team avoided the follow-on while keeping hopes alive of saving the match.

New Zealand had earlier declared their first innings at 575 for 8, riding on Devon Conway’s 227 and Tom Latham’s 137.Resuming from their overnight score of 110 without loss, West Indies suffered an early setback when Jacob Duffy dismissed John Campbell without adding to his overnight tally.

Despite steady pressure from New Zealand’s bowlers, Hodge counterattacked, hitting three boundaries in nine balls to push the scoring rate. Duffy, however, struck again, removing Brandon King for a well-made 63 within the first hour.Hodge then formed a crucial partnership with Tevin Imlach, adding over 50 runs for the second wicket.

Hodge reached his half-century as West Indies went to lunch at 206 for 2. After the break, Michael Rae dismissed Imlach for 27, breaking the 66-run stand. Alick Athanaze joined Hodge at the crease, and the pair added 81 runs for the fourth wicket before Athanaze fell five runs short of his fifty, edging Ajaz Patel—who claimed his first wicket in 22 home Tests.

Hodge, now well-settled, found good support from Justin Greaves, and their partnership guided West Indies past the 300-run mark. Despite New Zealand taking the new ball to regain control, the visiting duo extended the score to 310 for 4 at tea.

Post-tea, Hodge and Greaves continued with impressive shot selection and timing. Greaves was eventually trapped lbw by Daryl Mitchell after a determined knock. Ajaz Patel soon followed up by dismissing captain Roston Chase for just 2 runs, creating further pressure.

Hodge narrowly survived a chance at mid-off but continued to bat with composure alongside Anderson Phillip. On the very last ball of the day, Hodge celebrated his second century in Test cricket, ensuring West Indies ended the day in a much stronger position at 381 for 6.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand: 1st innings 575/8 declared (Devon Conway 227, Tom Latham 137; Justin Greaves 2/83)

West Indies: 1st innings 381/6 (Kavem Hodge 109*, Brandon King 63; Jacob Duffy 2/79, Ajaz Patel 2/94)

New Zealand still hold a 194-run lead, but Kavem Hodge’s fighting century has breathed new life into the contest for the West Indies.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar