Have you ever watched a game of cricket and felt like you were (New Zealand) seeing history being made? That is exactly what happened this week in Mount Maunganui. On Sunday, December 21, 2025, New Zealand’s opening batters, Tom Latham and Devon Conway, did something truly amazing.
They broke several world records during their third Test match against the West Indies at Bay Oval. It was a masterclass in batting that left the fans cheering and the record books needing a rewrite. In this article, we will look at the incredible feats achieved by this dynamic duo.
A World-First Record for Two Openers
The most exciting news is that Latham and Conway became the first pair of openers in cricket history to score centuries in both innings of the same Test. In the first innings, Latham scored 137, while Conway smashed a massive 227. They didn’t stop there.
On the fourth day, they came out and did it again, with Conway making exactly 100 and Latham reaching 101. This “twin century” feat has never been done by both opening batters in 148 years of Test cricket. It is a rare moment that shows just how well these two play together.
The Massive Opening Partnership
Before their second-innings heroics, the pair set the stage with a giant first-innings partnership. They put on 323 runs for the first wicket, which is the highest opening stand in New Zealand’s home history. This broke a 95-year-old record that had stood since 1930! It is also the highest opening partnership ever recorded in the World Test Championship (WTC).
They moved past the previous record of 317 set by India’s Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal in 2019. This massive start gave New Zealand a huge advantage and made the West Indies bowlers work incredibly hard.
Devon Conway’s Individual Brilliance
Devon Conway had a match that he will remember for the rest of his life. His first-innings score of 227 was his highest ever in Test cricket, featuring 31 boundaries. By adding a century in the second innings, he became the first New Zealander to score a double-ton and a ton in the same match.
Only 10 players in the entire history of the game have ever achieved this rare “double.” After a difficult few years with his form, Conway has bounced back in a big way. He is now one of the top scorers in the world for the 2025 season.
Tom Latham: The Leading Captain
Captain Tom Latham also had a record-breaking week that would make his family proud. By scoring two centuries in one match, he emulated his father, Rod Latham, who also scored opening centuries for New Zealand. His 15th Test century makes him the most successful opener in Kiwi history.
Latham showed great leadership by winning the toss and choosing to bat first, a bold move that paid off perfectly. He played with a “calm and steady” style that took the pressure off his partner. Together, they have become the most productive opening pair New Zealand has ever seen.
Total Runs: A New World Benchmark
When you add up all the runs they scored in both innings, the numbers are even more shocking. Together, Latham and Conway amassed 544 runs as a pair across the match. This is the second-highest aggregate ever for two openers from the same side in a single Test.
It beats almost every other legendary opening pair from the past, including those from Australia and England. Their teamwork was so perfect that they often seemed to read each other’s minds. This record shows that they are currently the best opening duo in world cricket.
The Struggle for the West Indies Bowlers
While New Zealand was celebrating, it was a very long and difficult week for the West Indies. Their veteran bowler, Kemar Roach, suffered a muscle injury during the match, which left their attack very thin. Even though players like Jayden Seales and Justin Greaves tried their best, they could not find a way to stop the “Black Caps.”
The pitch at Bay Oval was very flat and friendly for batting on the first few days. The West Indies bowlers toiled for over 150 overs in the first innings alone. It was a tough lesson in how difficult it can be to play against a world-class opening pair.
Jacob Duffy: The Rising Bowling Star
While the batters were breaking records, New Zealand’s bowlers were also doing their jobs. Jacob Duffy had an incredible series, taking 18 wickets at an average of just 17.3. In this match, he claimed 4-86 to help bowl out the West Indies for 420.
This gave New Zealand a lead of 155 runs, which allowed the openers to come back out and bat again. Duffy has quickly become a key part of the team’s success in 2025. His ability to take wickets at the start and end of an innings is a great “win” for the Kiwi squad.
Setting a Daunting Target
After their second-innings centuries, New Zealand finally declared their innings at 306-2. This set the West Indies a target of 462 runs to win the match, which is nearly impossible in Test cricket. As the fourth day ended, the West Indies were 43-0, still needing 419 more runs.
The pitch is starting to show “cracks and plates,” which makes the ball bounce in strange ways. New Zealand’s spinners, like Ajaz Patel, are expected to play a big role on the final day. The stage is set for a exciting finish as the Black Caps look for a 2-0 series win.
Why This Partnership Matters for 2026
Looking ahead, this record-breaking performance puts New Zealand in a great spot for the 2026 season. They are currently climbing the ladder in the World Test Championship and looking like real contenders. Having two reliable openers is a “gift” that many other teams do not have right now.
It takes the pressure off the middle-order batters like Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra. If Latham and Conway can keep this momentum going, New Zealand will be a very hard team to beat in any conditions. The “Black Caps” have truly found their golden pair.
A Historic Day for Kiwi Cricket New Zealand
In conclusion, the match at Mount Maunganui was a historic day that New Zealand fans will never forget. Tom Latham and Devon Conway proved that they are a “world-class” duo by breaking records that have stood for nearly a century. From their 323-run partnership to their twin centuries in both innings, they showed amazing skill and heart. New Zealand
While the West Indies fought hard, they were simply outclassed by the historic batting of the hosts. As we head into the final day of the match, New Zealand stands on the brink of a famous victory. It is a great time to be a fan of New Zealand cricket! New Zealand
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