Kavem Hodge's second red-ball century helped West Indies cut New Zealand's lead in the decisive third Test to 194 runs by stumps on day three.

The Windies are yet to end their first innings in a slow-burning encounter at Mount Maunganui, reaching stumps at 381-6 in response to the Black Caps' opening score of 575-8d.

The tourists' opening pair John Campbell and Brandon King were unbeaten for a combined 110 at the end of day two, but they only added one more run on Saturday before the former fell to Jacob Duffy for 45.

Duffy then doubled up to account for King (63), with Ajaz Patel later adding two wickets of his own, having Alick Athanaze caught for 45 and Roston Chase trapped lbw for 2. 

With an injury to Kemar Roach and an illness for Shai Hope potentially depriving the Windies of two batsmen, they needed someone to put up a big score to remain competitive. 

And Hodge did exactly that, making it to stumps unbeaten on 109 from 254 balls faced, including hitting 14 boundaries throughout the course of the day.

It was a four that got Hodge to his century, shortly after he had been struck in a sensitive area by Michael Rae's delivery, and the Black Caps will now hope for quick wickets on Sunday if they are to force a result.

Kavem Hodge leads our fight back on Day  at Bay Oval. #NZvWI | #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/Vxagpeg2FC

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) December 20, 2025

Data Debrief: Hodge plays through the pain

Hodge was writhing around on the turf after taking an unfortunate hit from Rae's ball in the 105th over, but he played through the pain barrier to make his second red-ball ton.

He is just 11 runs away from matching his best score in the format, having made 120 against England at Trent Bridge in July 2024.