Kavem Hodge‘s helped a solid century supported by a solid partnership West India fight against New Zealand‘s dominant first innings on Day 3 Bay Oval Test, Mount Maunganui. West Indies trail by 194 runs at the end of the game, with Hodge unbeaten on 109 as the visitors reach 381/6 in their first innings. Declaring their innings at 575/8, New Zealand set a formidable target for West Indies, but the visitors responded strongly on Day 3 with Hodge anchoring the innings.
New Zealand vs WI, Day 3: A sustained response from Kavem Hodge-led West Indies
Hodge’s stoic century on Day 3 was the highlight of West Indies’ fightback after New Zealand’s early breakthrough. Resuming his innings on 94, Hodge continued to weather the storm, showing great patience and skill to reach 224 balls. His knock was 13 boundaries and a crucial effort for West Indies who were under pressure for most of the day. Hodge’s resistance helped stabilize the batting after key wickets fell earlier in the day, with West Indies 351/6 at drinks.
A partnership between Hodge and Anderson Phillipnow up to 12 runs, will be crucial as West Indies aim to extend their innings on Day 4. The pair will be tasked with helping their side pass 400 runs, with the aim now being to minimize further damage in an attempt to give their bowlers a chance. Despite the challenges posed by the New Zealand bowlers, Hodge’s ability to turn the scoreboard gave the West Indies a glimmer of hope in this tough test.
Kavem Hodge brings the batting tone for West Indies 💪#NZvWI pic.twitter.com/LhTaSA3xKN
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 20, 2025
Also READ: Tests ft. Devon Conway & Tom Latham’s top 5 opening partnership for New Zealand
NZ vs WI, Day 3: New Zealand’s bowlers struggle to get through
The New Zealand bowlers struggled to break down the West Indies resistance on Day 3, despite making some early progress. West Indies reached 150 runs in 39.1 overs on the day with Hodge and. Alik Atanaz combining for a steady 50-run partnership. The momentum shifted slightly when New Zealand took the second new ball in 80.1 overs, but the West Indies duo fought back to add the crucial 50 runs in 84 balls.
Despite having a significant first innings, New Zealand’s bowlers, incl Ajaz Patel and Daryl Mitchellstruggled to make consistent progress. The New Zealand spinners tried to control the flow of runs but a determined stand from Hodge and Phillip kept them at bay. With six wickets in hand, West Indies will look to Hodge to continue their fine innings and reduce the deficit in what looks to be an evenly poised match heading into Day 4.
A fighting effort from the West Indies keeps the race level 💪🏏#NZvWI pic.twitter.com/HllapxY1yW
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 20, 2025
