New Zealand enjoyed a commanding opening day at Mount Maunganui, with Devon Conway and Tom Latham producing centuries that placed the hosts firmly on top and left West Indies searching for answers.
The visitors arrived with optimism, eyeing a rare Test victory in New Zealand that would also secure them a share of the series. Early conditions appeared to support that ambition, with visible grass on the pitch and movement on offer. However, as the day unfolded, those expectations slowly faded.
Contrary to tradition at this venue, the morning session passed without a single wicket. That absence set the tone for what became a long and draining day for the West Indies bowlers. New Zealand’s openers were patient, disciplined, and increasingly confident as time went on.
Tom Latham, leading from the front, delivered a technically sound innings that reflected years of experience at the highest level. His footwork was assured, his shot selection precise, and his ability to rotate the strike consistently frustrated the fielding side. By the time he was dismissed late in the day, he had crossed 6000 Test runs as an opener, a milestone that underlined his importance to the team.
At the other end, Devon Conway showed resilience and maturity. After a recent run of modest scores, this innings marked a return to form. He absorbed early pressure when runs were hard to come by, before gradually shifting gears once settled. His confidence grew with every session, and he batted for extended periods despite physical discomfort.
West Indies had moments where control seemed possible. A tight early spell limited scoring, and occasional deliveries caused genuine trouble. Yet those positives were often undone by lapses in consistency. Loose balls followed good overs, and chances that appeared briefly were not seized.
A short rain break offered an opportunity to reset, but the momentum remained with New Zealand. Attempts to disrupt the batters with short-pitched bowling failed to bring the desired breakthrough. Even when Conway required on-field treatment after being struck, the respite was short-lived.
The pitch, while offering some assistance, was never extreme. Spin was expected to play a role later in the match, and New Zealand’s selection reflected that belief. The plan was clear: bat deep, post a substantial total, and apply pressure with both pace and spin in the days ahead.
One of the standout frustrations for West Indies was their inability to capitalise on rare opportunities. A dropped chance behind the stumps summed up a day where effort was evident, but execution fell short. Individual spells showed promise, yet sustained pressure proved elusive.
By stumps, New Zealand had positioned themselves strongly, thanks largely to their openers’ composure and endurance. For West Indies, the task now is twofold: limit further damage and respond with discipline when they take to the crease.
The match remains open, but the first day belonged decisively to the hosts, who combined sound technique with smart decision-making to set the foundation for a potentially match-defining total.
