Hamilton Heroics: New Zealand Edge West Indies by 78 Runs in Series-Opening Test
New Zealand kicked off their home summer with a hard-fought 78-run victory over West Indies in the 1st Test at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on December 18-22, 2025, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Batting first after Tom Latham won the toss, the Black Caps posted 378, anchored by Kane Williamson’s masterful 142 and Rachin Ravindra’s aggressive 98. West Indies were bowled out for 256 in reply — Kyle Jamieson’s 4 for 68 the standout — before New Zealand set 312 in the second innings with Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 88. The visitors, chasing 390, crumbled to 311 all out on the final afternoon, with Mitchell Santner’s 5 for 82 spinning the decisive web on a wearing pitch. The win earns New Zealand 12 WTC points (PCT now 58.33), while West Indies remain winless in the 2025-27 cycle.
Seddon Park’s green-tinged pitch offered seam movement early but flattened into a batter’s ally by day three, with variable bounce testing resolve on days four and five. Latham’s decision to bat first was vindicated by Williamson’s poise, while West Indies’ fightback—led by Shai Hope’s 92—kept the contest alive until Santner’s spell. For Hope, the defeat was frustrating after promising positions; for Latham, it’s a solid start amid injuries to Lockie Ferguson (hamstring).
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 – 378 all out (118.2 overs) Young fell early for 8, but Williamson and Latham added 112. Latham made 68 before edging Roach. Williamson and Ravindra forged 198 — Williamson’s 142 (212 balls, 16×4) vintage, Ravindra’s 98 (142 balls, 12×4, 2×6) aggressive. Phillips (48) and Mitchell (52) added quick runs before Roach’s late burst (4-88).
West Indies 1st Innings – 256 all out (92.3 overs) Campbell (12) and King (28) fell to Jamieson inside 15 overs. Hope and Chanderpaul added 98; Chanderpaul lbw to Santner for 48. Hope reached 92 off 132 before holing out to long-on off Henry. Greaves (38) fought, but Jamieson (4-68) and Santner (3-52) cleaned up.
New Zealand 2nd Innings – 267-6 dec (78.4 overs) Young (28) and Latham (32) set a platform. Williamson scratched 22 before lbw to Chase. Mitchell 88 off 112* (9×4, 2×6) and Phillips (42) added 98 in 14 overs before declaration. Target: 390.
West Indies 2nd Innings – 311 all out (102.3 overs) King (48) and Hope (62) added 102, but Santner trapped Hope lbw. Chanderpaul (38) and Greaves (42) resisted, but Santner’s 5-82 (including a triple-wicket maiden) triggered the collapse. Seales (18) and Phillip (12) scratched, but Henry yorked last man Shields.
Key Moments
- Williamson-Ravindra 198-run stand — highest 3rd-wicket vs WI at Seddon
- Santner’s 5-82 — first five-for at home since 2022
- West Indies’ second-innings fight — highest 4th-innings total at Hamilton vs NZ
Player of the Match: Kane Williamson (142 & 22)
Tom Latham: “Kane’s ton set it; Santner’s spell sealed it. Wellington next for the sweep.”
Shai Hope: “Fought hard, but spin on day five hurt. Wellington redemption.”
Series: New Zealand 1–0 West Indies Next → 2nd Test: Basin Reserve, Wellington — December 26-30 (Boxing Day)
New Zealand eye whitewash; West Indies fight for pride.
