Greaves produced a marathon unbeaten 202, batting for nearly nine and a half hours, while Roach survived 233 deliveries for his 58 not out. Their 400-ball stand frustrated a New Zealand attack depleted by injuries and forced the hosts to settle for a draw despite dominating large portions of the match.
The West Indies resumed the final day at 212/4, with Shai Hope on 111 and Greaves on 55. Hope extended his innings to 140 before falling shortly before lunch, but from there the tourists refused to crumble. Greaves, who struck 19 fours in his 388-ball vigil, anchored the resistance with calm precision. Roach, fresh from a five-wicket haul in New Zealand’s second innings, provided unwavering support, offering only rare chances to the field.
“Resilient is the word we’ve spoken about in the dressing room,” Greaves said after the match. “For me, being there at the end was importantanything for the team.”
New Zealand’s bowlers missing frontline seamer Matt Henry pushed hard through the final session but exhausted their reviews early. Two crucial appeals against Roach later proved to be out on replay, compounding their frustration.
The hosts had earlier appeared in full control after dismissing the West Indies for 167 in reply to their own 231. Kane Williamson led New Zealand’s first-innings effort with 52 on his return to Test cricket, while Hope and Tagenarine Chanderpaul scored half-centuries in the visitors’ reply despite Hope battling an eye infection.
Both teams earned four points to open their World Test Championship campaigns. The second Test begins in Wellington on Wednesday, with New Zealand seeking redemption and the West Indies carrying renewed belief.
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