Mount Maunganui, Dec 20 (NationPress) Kavem Hodge's stellar performance with an unbeaten century has sparked a significant resurgence for the West Indies in response to New Zealand's substantial first-innings total. At the conclusion of Day 3 in the final Test match at Bay Oval on Saturday, the visitors stood at 381/6.

Hodge celebrated his second Test century, remaining not out on 109, as the West Indies successfully averted the follow-on late in the day, providing them with a fighting chance to salvage this match. Nevertheless, they still trail by 194 runs, with New Zealand having posted 575 for 8.

Starting from their overnight score of 110 without loss, the Windies continued their promising start, though Jacob Duffy quickly dismissed John Campbell, who added no runs to his overnight tally.

New Zealand maintained early pressure on the visitors, but Hodge broke free with three boundaries in just nine deliveries. Shortly thereafter, Duffy struck again within the first hour, sending Brandon King back to the pavilion for 63.

Hodge and Tevin Imlach then established a solid 50-run partnership, with Hodge reaching 50 as the visitors reached 206/2 just before lunch.

Post-lunch, New Zealand ended the 66-run partnership between Hodge and Imlach when Michael Rae dismissed Imlach for 27. Alick Athanaze came in next, and together with Hodge, they added 81 runs for the fourth wicket before Athanaze fell to Ajaz Patel, marking his first Test wicket at home after 22 Tests, just shy of a half-century.

Hodge and Justin Greaves hit several crucial boundaries, pushing the West Indies past the 300-run mark as they approached tea. New Zealand seized the second new ball at the first opportunity, with Duffy finding some movement. However, the Windies pair navigated the tricky spell to reach tea at 310 for 4.

After the break, the duo continued to time the ball exquisitely, accumulating boundaries swiftly. Unfortunately, Greaves fell victim to a nip-backer from Daryl Mitchell, resulting in an LBW decision that he opted to review.

Shortly after, Patel dismissed West Indies captain Roston Chase for just two runs, while Hodge narrowly avoided a catch that fell short of the mid-off fielder. Hodge and Anderson Phillip endured a few body blows from Michael Rae, but Hodge ultimately reached his second Test century just as stumps were drawn.

Hodge and Phillip concluded the day at 381 for 6, still trailing by 194 runs.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 575/8d (Devon Conway 227, Tom Latham 137; Justin Greaves 2-83) lead West Indies 381/6 (Kavem Hodge 109*, Brandon King 63; Jacob Duffy 2-79, Ajaz Patel 2-94) by 194 runs.