Wellington Washout: Rain Forces Draw in Boxing Day Test, New Zealand Win Series 1-0

Persistent rain washed out the entire final day at the Basin Reserve, forcing a frustrating draw in the 2nd Test between New Zealand and West Indies on December 26-30, 2025, handing the Black Caps a 1-0 series victory — their first home Test series win over the Windies since 2017. Only 214.3 overs were possible across five days, with New Zealand reaching 312 for 6 declared in their first innings — Tom Latham’s gritty 112 and Rachin Ravindra’s 98 the highlights — before bowling West Indies out for 198. The follow-on was enforced, but the visitors batted out 78 overs for 234 for 4 in their second innings, with Shai Hope’s unbeaten 102 and Justin Greaves’ resolute 68 ensuring survival amid intermittent showers. The series result gives New Zealand 12 WTC points (PCT now 55.00), while West Indies earn 4 points for the draw but remain winless in the cycle.

The Basin Reserve, notorious for its windy microclimate, lived up to its reputation with rain interruptions on days one, three, four, and a complete washout on day five — only 38 overs bowled on day four. Latham’s decision to bat first on a green-top was brave, but his century and Ravindra’s near-miss turned a tricky position into dominance. For Hope, the draw — after a first-Test loss — was a moral victory, his side’s lower-order defiance evoking memories of their 2023 resilience. As umpires called off play at 3:15 pm on day five amid relentless drizzle, the teams shook hands — New Zealand celebrating a series win, West Indies salvaging pride.

New Zealand XI Will Young, Tom Latham (c & wk), Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke

West Indies XI John Campbell, Brandon King, Shai Hope (c & wk), Tevin Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip, Ojay Shields

New Zealand 1st Innings – 312-6 dec (98.4 overs) Rain delayed start by two hours on day one. Young fell early for 8, but Latham and Williamson added 112. Williamson made 68 before edging Roach. Latham and Ravindra forged 156 — Latham’s 112 (188 balls, 12×4) patient, Ravindra’s 98 (142 balls, 10×4, 2×6) fluent. Phillips (28) and Mitchell (32*) added quick runs before declaration at tea on day three.

West Indies 1st Innings – 198 all out (72.3 overs) Campbell (12) and King (28) fell to Jamieson inside 15 overs. Hope and Chanderpaul added 78; Chanderpaul lbw to Santner for 38. Hope reached 68 off 112 before holing out to long-on off Henry. Greaves (32) fought, but Jamieson (4-58) and Santner (3-52) cleaned up.

West Indies 2nd Innings – 234-4 (78 overs) – Draw Campbell (18) and King (22) fell to Henry inside 10 overs. Hope and Chanderpaul added 98; Chanderpaul lbw to Santner for 48. Hope reached 102 off 188* (10×4) with a flicked four off O’Rourke. Greaves 68 off 142 (8×4) added 112 unbroken with Hope. Rain washed out day five.

Key Moments

• Latham-Ravindra 156-run stand — highest 3rd-wicket vs WI at Basin
• Hope’s unbeaten 102 — first century by a WI captain in NZ since 1995
• Only 214.3 overs bowled — lowest in a NZ home Test since 2018
• Jamieson’s series 10-116 — best by a Kiwi vs WI at home

Player of the Match: Tom Latham (112 & 2 catches)

Tom Latham: “Frustrating finish, but series win is sweet. Rain played spoilsport, but boys fought hard.”

Shai Hope: “Draw feels like a win after Hamilton. Greaves and I proud of the fight.”

Series Result: New Zealand 1–0 West Indies (1 win, 1 draw)

Next for New Zealand: T20I series vs England, January 2026 Next for West Indies: Home ODIs vs Bangladesh, February 2026

Rain has the final say, but New Zealand take the honours.