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New Zealand set record target after dominant display
Tom Latham and Devon Conway became the first opening pair in Test cricket history to score centuries in both innings of a match, propelling New Zealand to a commanding position against the West Indies in the third Test at Mount Maunganui.
Record-breaking performances
Latham struck 137 in the first innings and followed it with an unbeaten 101 in the second, while Conway compiled 227 in the first innings before adding another century (100) in the second. Their combined total of 515 runs is the highest by an opening pair in Test cricket.
Conway also joined an elite list of just 10 batters to score a double century and a century in the same Test match, a feat previously achieved by legends such as Brian Lara, Sunil Gavaskar, and Kumar Sangakkara.
New Zealand declare with commanding lead
After bowling out the West Indies for 420-trailing by 155 runs-New Zealand resumed their second innings on day four. Latham and Conway resumed their partnership, supported by contributions from Kane Williamson (40) and Rachin Ravindra (46), as the hosts declared at 306-2. This set the West Indies an imposing target of 462 runs to win the match and level the series.
West Indies dig in at stumps
At the close of play, the West Indies openers, John Campbell and Brandon King, had reached 43-0, with Campbell scoring just 2 off 50 balls and King contributing 37. The visitors face a monumental task to chase down the target on the final day.
Historic partnership
Latham and Conway's first-innings stand of 323 runs laid the foundation for New Zealand's dominance in the match. Their partnership is the highest by a New Zealand opening pair in Test cricket and one of the most prolific in the history of the format.
"This is a special achievement for both of them. To score centuries in both innings is something very few have done, and it speaks volumes about their skill and temperament," said former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum in commentary.
