Christchurch, Dec 5 (NationPress) Shai Hope solidified his place in cricket history with an unbeaten century while Justin Greaves contributed an impressive 54 not out, steering the West Indies to a score of 212/4 as they pursue a challenging target of 319 runs after New Zealand declared at 466-8 on Day 4 of the inaugural Test match at Hagley Oval on Friday.

The West Indies faced a testing period before lunch, starting at 20 without loss. Jacob Duffy, who achieved his first five-wicket haul in the first innings, dismissed John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul quickly, while Michael Bracewell claimed Alick Athanaze, seemingly setting the Black Caps on track for a four-day victory.

Nonetheless, Hope and Greaves had different aspirations, displaying immense resilience to take the match into the final day with their eyes set on an arduous 531-run target.

After being sidelined due to conjunctivitis on day three, Hope returned to the field sporting sunglasses under his helmet and delivered a masterclass with an unbeaten 116, complementing his first-innings score of 56. He received robust support from Greaves (55*), as the duo forged an unbroken 140-run partnership for the fifth wicket, countering a weakened New Zealand bowling attack.

The Windies took advantage of New Zealand's limited bowling options to extend the match into the last day. Matt Henry and seam-bowling allrounder Nathan Smith were both absent due to injuries, and wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell, who sustained a hamstring injury during the first day, has been ruled out for the second Test beginning at the Basin Reserve on December 10. Smith was also unavailable for bowling or fielding on day four.

Henry did not bowl or field in the final session on Friday, opting to leave the ground for a calf scan. He had bowled 11 overs on Friday, claiming the wicket of Roston Chase, but after just three overs in the first session, he had to depart and was replaced by sub fielder Blair Ticker. He was later seen at the Hagley Oval nets with head coach Rob Walter before returning to remove Chase but did not return after the tea break.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand resumed from an overnight score of 417/4 and declared at 466/8, setting the West Indies a formidable target of 531 runs.

New Zealand 231 & 466/8 dec (Rachin Ravindra 176, Tom Latham 145; Kemar Roach 5-78) lead West Indies 167 & 212/4 (Shai Hope 116 not out, Justin Greaves 56 not out; Jacob Duffy 2/65) by 319 runs.