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Christchurch Test Domination: How Rachin and Latham's Tons Crushed West Indies

New Zealand completely dominated Day 3 in Christchurch. Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham put on a batting masterclass with a huge partnership. Their centuries have given the hosts an almost insurmountable lead. The West Indies bowlers now face a massive challenge to save the Test.

Key Points: Rachin Ravindra Tom Latham Centuries Put New Zealand in Command

  • Rachin Ravindra smashed a rapid 176 from just 107 balls for his fourth Test century
  • Tom Latham anchored the innings with a composed 145, his 14th Test hundred
  • Their mammoth 279-run partnership added 385 runs on Day 3 at a rapid pace
  • New Zealand's lead ballooned to 481, leaving West Indies facing a monumental task
2 min read

1st Test: Rachin, Latham's tons help NZ take 481-run lead over WI at stumps on Day 3

Rachin Ravindra (176) and Tom Latham (145) forge a 279-run stand, powering New Zealand to a massive 481-run lead over West Indies on Day 3 of the 1st Test.

"Rachin raced to a 52-ball half-century, while Latham cruised to his 14th Test hundred at the stroke of Tea. - Match Report"

Christchurch, Dec 4

Centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham put New Zealand in command in the opening Test as the hosts ended Day 3 on 417/4, taking a 481-run lead over the West Indies here at the Hagley Oval on Thursday.

New Zealand began the third day at 32/0, already 96 runs ahead of the West Indies. By stumps, they had piled on 385 runs on the back of a dominant 279-run partnership between Rachin (176) and Latham (145).

Starting the day, Latham and Devon Conway extended their overnight partnership to 84 before Conway cut a delivery straight to deep point off Ojay Shields, who later removed Kane Williamson for 9. At that stage, New Zealand were 100/2 and leading by 164 runs.

The West Indies, however, wouldn’t find another breakthrough until late in the final session, as Rachin and Latham went on an all-out assault. Rachin raced to a 52-ball half-century, while Latham cruised to his 14th Test hundred at the stroke of Tea. Rachin closed the session with a boundary that carried him to 70 off 75, the pair having added 133 runs in just 27.1 overs at a rapid clip.

The lead surpassed 300 in the very first over after Tea, with Rachin reaching to his fourth Test century by striking three boundaries in the opening two overs and bringing up his ton from just 107 deliveries.

By the time the second new ball was due and taken immediately, New Zealand were already 400 ahead, with Ravindra overtaking Latham on the scoreboard. Kemar Roach finally broke the deadly 279-run partnership with an inswinger that brushed Latham’s inside edge as he reached out for a drive. Rachin later fell to a surprise yorker from Shields.

But despite those late breakthroughs, New Zealand still amassed 184 runs in the final session, leaving the West Indies facing a huge task.

Brief scores: New Zealand 231 & 417/4 (Rachin Ravindra 176, Tom Latham 145; Kemar Roach 2-61) lead West Indies 167 by 481 runs

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian cricket fan, it's bittersweet to see Rachin play so well. His roots are in Bangalore! But you have to applaud the knock. The West Indies are really struggling in Test cricket, aren't they? Hope they can show some fight in the 2nd innings, but a lead of 481 is massive. 😬
V
Vikram M
This is why Test cricket is the best. A proper grind for the first two days, and then a day of pure batting dominance. Latham's innings was classic, but Rachin stole the show. 184 runs in the final session! That's T20 stuff. The Windies bowlers must be exhausted.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, while the batting was great, the match seems over as a contest. A bit one-sided for my liking. Wish the West Indies had more penetration with the ball. Test cricket needs competitive matches to thrive. Hopefully, they can bat for two days and save the game, but it looks very difficult.
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Sarah B
Watching from the UK, and this is brilliant batting. Rachin's century came off just 107 balls in a Test! That's incredible intent. New Zealand are such a well-drilled team at home. The West Indies have a mountain to climb.
K
Karthik V
Yaar, 481 run lead! That's just demoralizing for any team. Rachin is a future star for sure. His technique is so solid. Makes you wonder how our Indian batters will fare when we tour NZ next. Should be a great series! 🇮🇳

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