Kavem Hodge‘s resilient century, supported by a gritty partnership, helped the West Indies fight back against New Zealand‘s dominant first innings on Day 3 at the Bay Oval Test, Mount Maunganui. The West Indies trail by 194 runs at the close of play, with Hodge unbeaten on 109, as the visitors reach 381/6 in their first innings. New Zealand, who declared their innings at 575/8, set a formidable target for the West Indies, but the visitors responded strongly on Day 3, with Hodge anchoring the innings.
NZ vs WI, Day 3: West Indies’ resilient response led by Kavem Hodge
Hodge’s stoic century on Day 3 was the highlight of the West Indies’ fightback after early breakthroughs by New Zealand. Hodge, who resumed his innings at 94, continued to weather the storm, displaying remarkable patience and skill to reach his hundred off 224 balls. His knock featured 13 boundaries and was a crucial effort for West Indies, who had been under pressure for much of the day. Hodge’s resistance helped steady the innings after key wickets fell earlier in the day, with West Indies at 351/6 when drinks were taken.
The partnership between Hodge and Anderson Phillip, which has now reached 12 runs, will be crucial as the West Indies aim to extend their innings on Day 4. The pair will be tasked with helping their side pass 400 runs, with the target now set on minimizing further damage in an attempt to give their bowlers a chance. Hodge’s ability to keep the scoreboard ticking, despite the challenges posed by the New Zealand bowlers, has given the West Indies a glimmer of hope in this challenging Test.
Kavem Hodge brings up a fighting ton for West Indies 💪#NZvWI pic.twitter.com/LhTaSA3xKN
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 20, 2025
Also READ: Top 5 highest opening partnerships for New Zealand in Tests ft. Devon Conway & Tom Latham
NZ vs WI, Day 3: New Zealand’s bowlers struggle to break through
New Zealand’s bowlers found it challenging to break the West Indies’ resistance on Day 3, despite having early breakthroughs. The West Indies reached 150 runs on the day in 39.1 overs, with Hodge and Alick Athanaze combining for a steady 50-run partnership. The momentum shifted slightly when New Zealand took the second new ball at 80.1 overs, but the West Indies duo fought back to add a crucial 50 runs in 84 balls.
Despite having a substantial first innings lead, New Zealand’s bowlers, including Ajaz Patel and Daryl Mitchell, struggled to extract consistent breakthroughs. The New Zealand spinners tried to control the run flow, but Hodge and Phillip’s determined stand kept them at bay. With six wickets in hand, the West Indies will be looking to Hodge to continue his fine innings and try to reduce the deficit in what looks to be an evenly poised match heading into Day 4.
A fighting effort from West Indies keeps the contest evenly poised 💪🏏#NZvWI pic.twitter.com/HllapxY1yW
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 20, 2025
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