CRICKET: Hope's hundred keeps West Indies afloat against weakened New Zealand

Shai Hope's Century Keeps West Indies in the Hunt Against New Zealand. Shai Hope’s unbeaten century guided West Indies to 212-4 in a remarkable chase of 531 on day four of the opening Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Friday.

Wearing sunglasses due to an eye infection, Hope scored 116 not out and put together a 140-run partnership with Justin Greaves for the unbroken fifth wicket. Their stand came against a New Zealand bowling attack weakened by mid-match injuries to fast bowlers Nathan Smith and Matt Henry.

Greaves remained at 55 as West Indies closed the day still 319 runs short of the target.

“They’re much better than they were a couple of days ago, but still not where I want to be. I guess I’m seeing it well enough to be hitting the ball,” Hope, who struck 15 fours and a six, said of his eye infection.

“Justin is a quality all-rounder, certainly showing that he’s an elite international cricketer now—not just with the ball, but with the bat and in the field as well.”

Earlier, New Zealand declared their innings at 466-8, setting West Indies an almost impossible target in the first match of the three-Test series. Kemar Roach was the standout for West Indies, claiming three lower-order wickets to finish with figures of 5-78.

After lunch, New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy struck to remove both openers, John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul. Spinner Michael Bracewell dismissed Alick Athanaze, and Henry sent back touring captain Roston Chase, reducing West Indies to 72-4.

Despite the pressure, Hope appeared unaffected as he brought up his fourth Test century, holding the innings together.

Injuries continued to plague New Zealand. Smith, who bowled 15 overs in West Indies’ first innings, was ruled out of the remainder of the match with a side strain, while Henry could not bowl after tea and was sent to the hospital for scans on his calf. Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, who sustained a hamstring injury during New Zealand’s first innings, has also been ruled out of the second Test. -Amlan Chakraborty/Reuters