New Zealand v We t Indie 1 t Te t 2025 Scorecard & Serie Recap
Few cricket rivalries deliver the sheer unpredictability of New Zealand vs West Indies — and the first Test of their 2025/26 series was no exception. At Hagley Oval in Christchurch, both sides traded blows across four days, ending in a gripping draw that set the tone for a series full of twists.
1st Test Result: Draw ·
Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch ·
Series Status: NZ won series 2-0 ·
Top Scorer (Series): Devon Conway (452 runs) ·
Most Wickets (Series): Not specified
Quick snapshot
- Match drawn after both teams posted first-innings totals below 250 (Sky Sports)
- New Zealand declared on 466/8 in second innings (Windies Cricket)
- West Indies fought back to 457/6 in second innings (ESPNcricinfo)
- Exact time lost to rain during the match was not reported
- Specific bowling figures for some bowlers not fully published in summaries
- West Indies elected to field first after winning toss (Sky Sports)
- New Zealand collapsed to 231 all out on day one (Sky Sports)
- West Indies replied with 167 all out (Sky Sports)
- New Zealand won the 2nd Test by 9 wickets (Windies Cricket)
- New Zealand won the 3rd Test by 323 runs to seal series 2-0 (Windies Cricket)
New Zealand vs West Indies 1st Test 2025 Scorecard
The first Test of the West Indies’ tour of New Zealand 2025/26 was played at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. West Indies won the toss and chose to field — a decision that initially paid off as they bowled out the hosts for 231. But New Zealand’s bowlers struck back, dismissing the visitors for 167 to secure a 64-run lead. In the second innings, New Zealand declared on 466/8, setting West Indies a daunting target. The tourists responded with 457/6, and the match ended in a draw. Here are the full innings scores:
| Innings | Team | Runs | Wickets | Overs (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | New Zealand | 231 | 10 | – |
| 1st | West Indies | 167 | 10 | – |
| 2nd | New Zealand (declared) | 466 | 8 | – |
| 2nd | West Indies | 457 | 6 | – |
New Zealand’s massive second-innings declaration put them in a winning position, but West Indies showed resilience to secure the draw. For New Zealand, the inability to take the final four wickets on the last day cost them a 1-0 series lead.
The implication: New Zealand will look back at this match as one that slipped away despite a dominant declaration.
Series Overview: West Indies in New Zealand 2025/26
The three-Test series kicked off with this closely fought draw. New Zealand then stepped up to win the second Test by nine wickets and the third by 323 runs, claiming the series 2-0. Devon Conway emerged as the leading run-scorer across the series with 452 runs, followed by Tom Latham (427) and Rachin Ravindra (302).
Top Run-Scorers in the Series
- Devon Conway: 452 runs (Windies Cricket)
- Tom Latham: 427 runs (Windies Cricket)
- Rachin Ravindra: 302 runs (Windies Cricket)
New Zealand’s batting depth — Conway, Latham, Ravindra — consistently posted big scores after the first Test. For West Indies, the fightback in the first Test was a high point, but they couldn’t sustain it in the following matches.
What this means: West Indies’ inability to replicate their first-Test resilience across the full series was the decisive factor.
What was the result of the 1st Test between New Zealand and West Indies in 2025?
The 1st Test, played from late 2025 at Hagley Oval, ended in a draw. West Indies won the toss and elected to field. New Zealand were bowled out for 231 in their first innings, and West Indies replied with 167. New Zealand then declared their second innings at 466/8, setting a target of 530. West Indies reached 457/6 before the match was called off. All sources confirm the draw.
Why did the 1st Test end in a draw?
Both teams had opportunities to force a result. New Zealand’s first-innings lead of 64 gave them control, but West Indies’ second-innings resistance — lasting more than a day — made a result impossible. With only four days of play (some rain interruptions reportedly occurred), the draw was the final outcome. The chase of 530 was always unlikely, but West Indies’ ability to bat out time secured the stalemate.
Key Performers in the 1st Test
- New Zealand’s top scorer in the first innings: not specified in summaries
- West Indies’ top scorer in the first innings: not specified
- New Zealand’s declaration: 466/8 – lead of 530 runs
- West Indies’ second innings: 457/6 – match saved
The catch: New Zealand’s inability to finish off the match highlighted the thin margin between victory and draw at the highest level.
Comparison of the Three Tests in the Series
Three matches, three different storylines — the series saw a draw followed by two New Zealand victories. Here’s how they compare:
| Test | Venue | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | Draw | – |
| 2nd | Not specified | New Zealand won | 9 wickets |
| 3rd | Not specified | New Zealand won | 323 runs |
While New Zealand dominated the second and third Tests, the drawn first Test showed West Indies’ potential — especially in their second-innings fightback. For New Zealand, the series win was convincing, but the small lapses in the first Test may be a focus area for future tours.
The implication: West Indies will take heart from their first-Test performance, while New Zealand will look to correct the small errors that cost them a clean sweep.
“The resilience shown by our batting group in the first Test gave us belief going forward.”
– ESPNcricinfo match report, quoting a team source
“West Indies won the toss and elected to field first.”
– Sky Sports live scorecard
For a detailed breakdown of the series, check out the New Zealand vs West Indies Test series scorecard for full stats and highlights.
Frequently asked questions
How many Tests have New Zealand and the West Indies played?
As of the 2025/26 series, the two teams have faced each other in over 60 Test matches, with New Zealand holding a winning record in recent decades.
Who holds the record for the highest individual score in NZ vs WI Tests?
Brian Lara’s 400 not out against England in 2004 is the highest individual score in Test cricket overall, but the record between NZ and WI belongs to other players — historically, Garfield Sobers’ 365* (not against NZ) or others. For the specific fixture, further research is needed.
When is the next New Zealand vs West Indies match?
After the 2025/26 Test series, the next scheduled bilateral series between the two teams is yet to be announced.
What is the average run rate in recent NZ vs WI ODIs?
ODI run rates between these teams have typically ranged from 5.0 to 6.5 runs per over, depending on conditions.
Which team has a better win percentage in Tests: NZ or WI?
New Zealand have won a higher percentage of Test matches overall in the 21st century, but West Indies lead in historical head-to-head wins before 2000.
How many runs did Devon Conway score in the 1st Test 2025?
Exact figures for the first Test are not fully detailed in published score summaries, but Conway scored 452 runs across the series.
For cricket fans, the 2025/26 series offered a classic Test template: a drawn opener that could have gone either way, followed by a dominant New Zealand response. For West Indies, the first Test proved they can compete; the challenge is doing it across three matches. For New Zealand, the series win was another step toward cementing home dominance. The next time these two sides meet, the scorecard from Christchurch will be a reminder of how fine the margins can be.
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