How did Rachin and Latham's centuries secure NZ a 481-run lead over WI at stumps on Day 3?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rachin Ravindra scored an impressive 176 runs.
- Tom Latham contributed with 145 runs.
- The pair formed a formidable partnership of 279 runs.
- New Zealand concluded Day 3 at 417/4.
- The lead over the West Indies is a whopping 481 runs.
Christchurch, December 4 (NationPress) A remarkable display of batting from Rachin Ravindra and Tom Latham has positioned New Zealand in a commanding stance during the first Test as they concluded Day 3 with a score of 417/4, establishing a significant 481-run lead over the West Indies at the Hagley Oval on Thursday.
Beginning the day at 32/0, New Zealand was already 96 runs ahead. By stumps, they had amassed 385 runs, largely due to an impressive 279-run partnership between Rachin (176) and Latham (145).
As the day started, Latham and Devon Conway extended their overnight stand to 84 before Conway was dismissed, caught at deep point off Ojay Shields, who later bowled Kane Williamson for 9. At that point, New Zealand found themselves at 100/2, leading by 164 runs.
The West Indies struggled to find another breakthrough until late in the final session, as Rachin and Latham unleashed a barrage of runs. Rachin raced to his half-century in just 52 balls, while Latham secured his 14th Test century just before Tea. Rachin concluded the session with a boundary, reaching 70 off 75 balls, with the duo having added 133 runs in a brisk 27.1 overs.
Following the Tea break, the lead surpassed 300 in the opening over, with Rachin claiming his fourth Test century in just 107 deliveries, striking three boundaries in the initial two overs.
When the second new ball was taken, New Zealand was already 400 runs ahead, with Ravindra surpassing Latham's score. Finally, Kemar Roach broke the formidable 279-run partnership with an inswinging delivery that clipped Latham's inside edge. Rachin was later dismissed by a surprise yorker from Shields.
Despite these late wickets, New Zealand still managed to accumulate 184 runs in the final session, leaving the West Indies with a daunting challenge ahead.
Brief scores: New Zealand 231 & 417/4 (Rachin Ravindra 176, Tom Latham 145; Kemar Roach 2-61) lead West Indies 167 by 481 runs.