New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway delivered a batting masterclass on Thursday, rewriting World Test Championship (WTC) history with a record-breaking opening partnership against the West Indies.
The pair put together a remarkable 323-run stand for the first wicket, setting a new benchmark for the highest opening partnership in WTC history. In the process, they surpassed the previous record held by India’s Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal.
Centuries Power New Zealand’s Dominance
Leading from the front, captain Tom Latham struck a composed 137, registering his 15th Test century, while Devon Conway remained unbeaten on 178, bringing up his sixth Test hundred.
The West Indies bowling attack struggled to contain the relentless scoring as New Zealand took full control of the opening day of the third Test at Mount Maunganui.
Strong Finish to Day One
Latham’s innings came to an end late in the day when veteran pacer Kemar Roach dismissed him, but by then the damage had been done. Nightwatchman Jacob Duffy joined Conway at the crease as New Zealand closed the day at a commanding 334 for 1.
A Rare Feat in New Zealand Test History
The last time New Zealand openers crossed the 300-run mark in Test cricket was more than five decades ago. In 1972, Glenn Turner and Terry Jarvis had added 387 runs for the first wicket against the West Indies in Guyana.
While Latham and Conway fell short of that long-standing national record, their partnership now stands as the second-highest opening stand in New Zealand Test history.
WTC Record Falls
Their 323-run partnership also ranks among the top opening stands in Test cricket overall and is the highest since the World Test Championship began in 2019.
The earlier WTC record of 317 runs, set by Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal against South Africa in Visakhapatnam in 2019, was overtaken just before stumps, capping off a dominant day for the hosts.
Series at a Glance
- First Test: December 2–6, Christchurch – Draw
- Second Test: December 10–14, Wellington
- Third Test: December 18–22, Mount Maunganui
With New Zealand firmly in control, the series finale promises more high-quality Test cricket in the days ahead.
