New Zealand hold a 481-run lead over West Indies after centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham on day three of the first Test.

After the bowlers controlled proceedings on the first two days at the Hagley Oval, the batters left their mark on the third as Latham’s 145 and Ravindra’s 176 saw the hosts reach 417-4 at stumps.

The Black Caps started the morning session on 32-0, but Devon Conway (37) failed to build on his solid start before Kane Williamson (nine) was caught off the bowling of Kemar Roach (2-61).

Ravindra had a very nervy start out in the middle, being dropped in back-to-back overs from Justin Greaves (0-80) before also seeing a thick outside edge fly over the slips while on 17.

But he managed to put on a partnership of 279 alongside Latham before the New Zealand skipper became Roach’s second wicket.

Ravindra was caught out by a yorker from Ojay Shields (2-64) in the final session, with Will Young (21 not out) and Michael Bracewell (six not out) set to take to the crease on day four, with New Zealand well primed to push on for victory.

We finish the day 481 runs ahead at 417/4 after Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra lead the way with the bat.

Catch all the scores HERE - https://t.co/KwqLpZ7tPh#NZvWIN |  @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/ZgYbX3AqiF

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 4, 2025

Data Debrief: Record chase already required

New Zealand will be thrilled to have built on their first-innings lead and take some pressure off their bowlers, with Latham scoring his first Test century in almost three years.

Latham and Ravindra’s stand was the Black Caps’ highest partnership against West Indies since Martin Crowe and John Wright’s combined 241 in 1987.

The highest successful fourth-innings run chase at the Hagley Oval is 285, when New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in 2023, so the tourists will need nothing short of a miracle to win this opening Test.