England’s Champions Trophy Hopes End in Afghan Storm

England entered the Champions Trophy to reclaim their former dominance in ODI cricket. After their opening defeat to Australia, they consoled themselves with the belief that it was an unfortunate blip, a result of Lahore’s unpredictable conditions rather than their own shortcomings. However, their hopes were decisively crushed in a dramatic encounter against Afghanistan, whose clinical performance exposed the cracks in England’s game.

The eight-run loss, though narrow on paper, was far from a fluke. It culminated in Afghanistan’s superior strategy, discipline, and execution. More than just a victory, it signified Afghanistan’s rise as a force in world cricket and underscored England’s ongoing decline.

Afghanistan’s Innings: Zadran’s Masterpiece and a Late Surge

A Rocky Start

Afghanistan’s innings began on shaky ground as they found themselves struggling at 37 for three. England’s pace attack, led by Jofra Archer, initially dominated. Archer’s sharp burst accounted for three wickets in his first six overs, leaving Afghanistan with a mountain to climb. At the halfway mark, they had only managed 103 for three, and England seemed to have the upper hand.

Zadran’s Brilliance

Then came the transformation. Ibrahim Zadran played an innings of rare quality—177 runs off 146 balls, blending patience with explosive power. While wickets fell around him, Zadran remained composed, anchoring the innings and shifting gears at the right moments. His shot selection was impeccable, his placement clinical, and his temperament unshaken by England’s early dominance.

Explosive Finish by Azmatullah and Nabi

Zadran found crucial support in captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who contributed a stabilizing 40, before the game-changing partnerships arrived. Azmatullah Omarzai, fresh from an early failure with the ball, unleashed a counterattack, smashing three sixes in a 31-ball 41.

Then, the veteran Mohammad Nabi joined the charge. His 41 off just 24 balls was an exhibition of fearless hitting. In the 47th over alone, he plundered 23 runs off Joe Root, accelerating Afghanistan’s total past the 300-mark. By the end, the duo had added 111 runs in just 55 balls, turning a solid total into a daunting one—325 for seven.

England’s Chase: A Mixture of Hope and Collapse

Early Wickets and Mounting Pressure

Chasing 326 under lights, England needed a strong start, but their top order crumbled under pressure. Phil Salt departed for 12 after a wild hack against Azmatullah Omarzai, while debutant Jamie Smith misjudged his shot selection and perished for nine, falling to Nabi’s first delivery.

Ben Duckett looked in good touch but was undone by Rashid Khan’s mastery, pinned lbw for 38. Meanwhile, Harry Brook continued his miserable run against spin, gifting a simple return catch to Nabi for 25.

Root’s Lone Resistance

Amid the wreckage, Joe Root stood tall. The former England captain played a masterful innings, crafting 120 from 111 balls. His strokeplay was a blend of precision and artistry, even producing an audacious “pancake-flip” six—an uncharacteristic yet remarkable shot.

For a time, Root and Jos Buttler threatened to turn the tide. Their partnership of 83 runs steadied the chase, keeping England’s hopes alive. But when Buttler fell for 38, top-edging a pull to deep midwicket in the 37th over, the writing was on the wall.

The Final Collapse

With Root left to shoulder the burden, England’s fate hung in delicate balance. But his dismissal in the 46th over, 39 runs short of the target, signalled the beginning of the end. Jamie Overton tried to stage a fightback with a brisk 32, but he too succumbed at the crucial moment.

Jofra Archer’s dismissal left England needing 13 off the final over. The task proved insurmountable, and when Adil Rashid fell off the penultimate delivery, Azmatullah Omarzai completed his five-wicket haul, sealing a historic win for Afghanistan.

England’s Bowling Woes: A Persistent Problem

Archer’s Mixed Day

Jofra Archer’s return to international cricket was a tale of two halves. His initial burst—three wickets for just 22 runs—gave England early control. But as the innings progressed, his impact faded. His last four overs went for 42 runs, mirroring England’s growing struggles in the death overs.

Wood’s Fitness Concerns and Middle-Overs Struggles

Mark Wood, battling a knee injury, was far from his best. His pace lacked its usual venom, and England’s attack suffered as a result. Meanwhile, their inability to take wickets in the middle overs remains a glaring issue. Ever since Liam Plunkett’s departure post-2019, England’s ODI bowling has lacked a cutting edge during this crucial phase.

Lack of Support for Adil Rashid

Adil Rashid was once again England’s most reliable spin option, but the lack of a second attacking spinner left England vulnerable. Afghanistan capitalized on this, ensuring that Rashid alone could not apply sustained pressure.

Afghanistan’s Evolution: No Longer an Underdog Story

This victory was not an upset in the traditional sense. Afghanistan are no longer the plucky underdogs—they are equals. Their batting depth, all-round strength, and fearless approach have turned them into genuine contenders.

Their bowling attack, spearheaded by the guile of Rashid Khan, the versatility of Azmatullah, and the experience of Nabi, is well-rounded and effective. Their fielding, once a weak point, has improved significantly.

With this win, Afghanistan’s semi-final hopes remain alive. They now face Australia in Lahore, a match that will test their credentials further.

England’s Future: A Period of Soul-Searching

For England, this defeat is more than just an early tournament exit. It raises fundamental questions about their ODI identity.

Buttler’s Captaincy Under Scrutiny

Jos Buttler’s future as captain is now under the microscope. His tactical decisions, batting form, and leadership will all be questioned in the aftermath of this failure.

The Batting Core: Aging or Adapting?

Joe Root’s century was a reminder of his class, but beyond him, England’s batting lacked adaptability. The new generation—Salt, Smith, and Brook—have yet to prove they can anchor innings in pressure situations.

Bowling Rebuild Needed

Without a reliable middle-overs enforcer and a fit pace attack, England’s bowling unit looks fragile. The absence of a second frontline spinner also continues to haunt them.

Conclusion: Two Teams, Two Directions

As England depart Lahore for Karachi, their journey has become one of introspection rather than ambition. Their match against South Africa is now a mere formality—a chance to salvage pride but little else.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, march forward with momentum and belief. Their next challenge against Australia will be another step in their remarkable journey—a team once born in refugee camps now challenging the world’s best on cricket’s grandest stages.

This was not just another match. It was a statement. A reminder that Afghanistan belong among the elite and that England, once kings of ODI cricket, are now searching for a way back.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

A Clash of Grit and Genius: West Indies’ Frenzied Victory Over India

Cricket, at its most riveting, unfolds like a grand theatrical production, where moments of stoic resistance give way to breathtaking drama. In Kingston, what seemed to be a meandering contest destined for a tame draw suddenly erupted into a crescendo of brilliance, culminating in a West Indian triumph that will be etched in cricketing folklore. The architects of this dramatic turn were Andy Roberts, whose devastating spell shattered India’s lower order, and Viv Richards, whose counterattacking genius transformed an improbable chase into an unforgettable spectacle.

This match was not just a contest of bat and ball; it was a test of resilience, strategy, and sheer audacity. What began as a slow-moving, attritional battle on an easy-paced surface ended in a frenzied, nerve-jangling climax that embodied the essence of West Indian cricket—pace, power, and panache.

The Battle Begins: Struggles in the First Innings

The setting was charged with anticipation as Clive Lloyd, in his milestone 50th Test as captain, won the toss and elected to bowl. It was a decision driven by the faith he had in his battery of fast bowlers, a quartet that had terrorized batting lineups across the world. India, well aware of the challenge, approached their innings with caution.

The early passages of play bore testament to the ruthlessness of the West Indian pace attack. India found themselves reeling at 127 for seven, their batting order disintegrating under the relentless pressure of Holding, Roberts, Marshall, and Davis. The early collapse threatened to leave them with an inadequate total, but amidst the ruins emerged Yashpal Sharma, the embodiment of grit and perseverance.

Yashpal’s innings was one of quiet defiance, a patient vigil that stretched over four and a half hours. He found an able partner in Balwinder Sandhu, a cricketer more known for his bowling than his batting. Yet together, they forged a remarkable eighth-wicket stand of 107—India’s highest against the West Indies. The partnership was a tribute to survival and determination, a rare show of resistance against an attack that had otherwise dictated terms.

Despite their heroics, India’s innings eventually folded, leaving the West Indies to respond. But if India’s batting had been fraught with difficulty, the hosts soon discovered that they too would have to grind their way to parity.

The West Indian reply was led by Desmond Greenidge, who resisted for over five hours, accumulating a patient 70. The Indian bowling, spearheaded by Kapil Dev and the young left-arm spinner Ravi Shastri, ensured that the West Indies never quite found their rhythm. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and much like India, the hosts struggled to assert dominance.

In the end, the West Indies eked out a slender first-innings lead of just three runs—a lead that, at the time, seemed almost irrelevant. But as the match would soon reveal, every run, every moment of resistance, mattered.

The Unfolding Drama: Rain, Resistance, and Roberts’ Carnage

India’s second innings began under ominous circumstances. Michael Holding, with his trademark smooth yet venomous pace, struck with the very first ball, rattling Sunil Gavaskar’s leg stump. Losing their most experienced batsman so early was a psychological blow, and by the end of the third day, India stood at 81 for three, struggling to extend their lead.

Then, as if fate had intervened to shift the course of the match, the skies over Kingston opened up. The first heavy rains in two years swept across Sabina Park, washing out the fourth day entirely. When play finally resumed on the fifth morning, the match seemed to be crawling toward an inevitable draw.

By tea, India had inched their way to 168 for six, with a lead of 165. Though wickets had fallen, the slow progress and the flat nature of the pitch suggested that the game would fade into a quiet, unremarkable conclusion.

But cricket, especially in the Caribbean, thrives on the unexpected.

As the final session commenced, Andy Roberts took the ball, and within minutes, he had turned the match on its head. In a single over of ruthless precision, he sent Syed Kirmani, Balwinder Sandhu, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan packing. The once-secure Indian resistance lay in tatters, and by his fourth over, Roberts had claimed the final wicket—Maninder Singh—completing a spell of destruction that left the West Indies needing 172 runs to win in just 26 overs.

A Chase for the Ages: Viv Richards’ Masterclass

A target of 172 in 26 overs required a combination of calculation and audacity. The West Indies, known for their aggressive approach to batting, had the perfect men for the task.

The chase began with a sense of urgency, led by Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes. It was Haynes who injected early momentum, stroking a blistering 34 off just 21 deliveries. His onslaught provided the initial push needed, setting the platform for the man who would define the chase—Viv Richards.

Richards, usually the dominant No. 3, came in a position lower due to a painful shoulder. But once he strode to the crease, there was no sign of hesitation. His first scoring shot—a monstrous six—was a harbinger of what was to come. In an astonishing display of calculated aggression, he smashed four towering sixes, launching a relentless attack on the Indian bowlers.

His innings of 61 off just 35 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression. It wasn’t just about power; it was about seizing the moment, understanding the chase, and executing with fearless precision. Even when he fell with the score at 156 for five, the West Indies needed only 16 more runs. The job was far from done, but the blueprint had been set.

Gus Logie, facing his first ball, sent it soaring over the ropes for six. Jeff Dujon followed suit, dispatching Mohinder Amarnath over square leg for another six. With four balls to spare, the West Indies had completed an extraordinary heist, snatching victory from a match that, for much of its duration, had seemed out of reach.

A Match for the Ages

Few Test matches encapsulate the entire spectrum of cricketing emotions as this one did. For nearly four days, it was a battle of patience, technique, and resilience—both teams struggling for dominance on a surface that offered little assistance. But in the span of one electrifying session, all notions of predictability were cast aside.

Andy Roberts’ fiery spell, dismantling India’s hopes in a matter of overs, was the catalyst for a transformation that would not have been possible without the genius of Viv Richards. His fearless onslaught embodied everything that made West Indian cricket so compelling—audacity, flair, and an unyielding desire to dominate.

This was not just a victory; it was a testament to the power of belief, a reminder that in cricket, as in life, the script can change in an instant.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

The Conquest at Melbourne, Ashes 1936-37: A Tale of Missed Opportunities and Australian Dominance

The Test match between England and Australia unfolded in a sequence of dramatic shifts, with the weather playing a pivotal role in shaping the course of the contest. The first two days offered ideal conditions, but the third day brought unsettled weather, culminating in a thunderstorm on the fourth morning that sealed England’s fate. Despite the disruptions, Australia’s performance—led by Bradman—was nothing short of masterful. In stark contrast, England’s poor fielding, missed opportunities, and batting failures left them with little chance of making a comeback.

Day 1: Australia Sets the Tone

The match began with clear skies, offering optimal conditions for both teams. Australia, having won the toss for the third consecutive time, were in an advantageous position. Bradman, displaying his unmatched skill, led from the front with a superb innings that set the tone for the match. His partnership with McCabe proved to be a defining feature of the day, as they broke records with a third-wicket stand of 249 runs. This remarkable partnership highlighted the attacking and authoritative nature of Australian batting.

At the end of the first day, Australia had amassed a commanding 342 for three. However, this total could have been far lower had England fielded with greater discipline. Four crucial catches were missed, all at short leg, and the lapses were particularly costly given the strength of Australia’s batting. Allen, who had been effective throughout the tour, dropped two chances, while Farnes, usually a reliable bowler, missed another. These mistakes would haunt England as the match progressed.

Despite these setbacks, the English bowlers, particularly Farnes, showed great perseverance under the hot, humid conditions. Farnes, who bowled tirelessly, emerged as England’s best bowler in the match, despite the overall failure of the team. However, the day was undeniably a disaster for England, as they failed to capitalize on multiple chances, letting McCabe and Fingleton off the hook early in their innings. McCabe, in particular, seized the opportunity, displaying an aggressive and technically sound display of batting.

Day 2: Australian Batting Dominance Continues

As the second day unfolded, Australia continued to dominate with the bat. Bradman, having reached three figures on day one, added just four more runs to his tally before falling. His 15 boundaries during his 3.5-hour innings illustrated his brilliance, as he was virtually faultless until the effects of the oppressive heat seemed to take a toll. However, McCabe and Gregory’s partnership extended the Australian lead, and Gregory’s collaboration with Badcock for a 161-run stand for the fifth wicket reinforced Australia’s position.

Badcock’s aggressive and fluent stroke play, reminiscent of Hendren's style, saw him reach 118, his maiden Test century, in 205 minutes. By the close of play on day two, Australia was 593 for nine, with the total ballooning to 604 the next morning. Farnes, despite his team’s struggles, claimed six wickets for 96 runs, a standout personal performance in what was otherwise a challenging day for England.

Day 3: England’s False Dawn

In response, England's batting showed initial promise. Barnett and Worthington got off to an aggressive start, scoring 33 runs in the first 17 minutes. However, this bright beginning quickly turned sour. Barnett fell, caught at the wicket, and Worthington’s ill-luck continued as he was dismissed after a freak incident where his heel knocked a bail off during a hook shot. The dismissal left England in a precarious position, and the collapse soon spread throughout the batting order.

Hardstaff provided the only real resistance, playing his best innings of the tour. However, his partners struggled to cope with the relentless pressure exerted by O'Reilly’s leg theory, with Hammond falling to a familiar mode of dismissal—caught at short leg. Leyland and others followed suit, and by the close of day three, England had reached only 184 for four. With their position looking increasingly dire, England’s chances of turning the match around appeared slim.

Day 4: A Wet Wicket Seals England’s Fate

The fourth day began with rain affecting the pitch, and a wet surface offered little to the English bowlers. O'Reilly, exploiting the conditions to the fullest, delivered a devastating spell that left England’s batsmen floundering. Hardstaff, who had shown some resolve, was dismissed early, and the collapse that followed was swift and brutal. Wyatt, the last man standing, was caught out by a sudden turn from O'Reilly, and the last four wickets fell for a mere three runs. England were all out before lunch, forced to follow on 365 runs behind.

Australia's bowling attack, led by O'Reilly, with assistance from Nash, who impressed in his first Test, proved too strong for the English batsmen. Fleetwood-Smith, despite his inclusion in the team, failed to make an impact, and the English batsmen were left to cope with a pitch that did little to help their cause.

England’s Second Innings: No Hope of Recovery

With a mountain to climb, England’s second innings began with little improvement. Barnett and Hammond added 60 runs, but the task was insurmountable. O'Reilly’s perfect length, combined with some faulty timing from the English batsmen, meant that the collapse continued. England’s tail was soon dispatched, and two quick wickets from Fleetwood-Smith the following morning, including the dismissals of Voce and Farnes, left the English team on the brink of defeat.

Allen’s bowling, although persistent, failed to make the breakthroughs needed. The tactical decision to open the bowling with Farnes and Allen instead of Voce was also questioned. Verity, while showing great endurance, was unable to make a significant impact with the ball, and Voce, who had been so effective in previous matches, could not extract the same level of danger from the pitch. Farnes stood alone as the most destructive bowler on the English side, but even his efforts could not prevent the inevitable.

Conclusion: Australia’s Comprehensive Victory

In the final analysis, Australia’s victory was built on a combination of Bradman’s exceptional batting, the resolute performances of McCabe, Badcock, and Gregory, and the precision of O'Reilly with the ball. England, on the other hand, were undone by poor fielding, missed opportunities, and a lack of resilience in their batting. Australia’s 604 in the first innings was a formidable total, and despite England’s occasional bursts of resistance, the result was never in doubt. The match not only showcased Australia’s batting brilliance but also highlighted England’s inability to capitalize on key moments, making it a one-sided affair from start to finish.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Pakistan’s Dominant Victory: Resilience, Controversy, and Sri Lanka's Struggles on a Treacherous Pitch

The Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was marked by challenging conditions, dramatic shifts in momentum, and a series of unfortunate incidents that affected Sri Lanka's performance. The pitch, which had previously supported spin bowling during England B's tour of Sri Lanka, proved even more treacherous during this encounter, particularly for the visiting team. Despite a valiant effort from some players, Sri Lanka struggled to cope with the hostile conditions, while Pakistan, after an early collapse, mounted a resilient recovery to establish a commanding lead.

Mendis’s Decision and Sri Lanka’s Struggles

Sri Lanka’s captain, Mendis, made the decision to bat first, a choice that in hindsight would not yield favourable results. The pitch, seemingly a minefield for the batsmen, offered both seam movement and spin, making run-scoring a difficult task. Mendis’s decision was further undermined by the excellent bowling of Imran Khan, whose pace and ability to exploit the conditions off the seam proved to be too much for the Sri Lankan batsmen.

On top of the bowling difficulties, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup appeared hesitant and unprepared to handle the challenge. Their collective effort to reach a total of 100 runs was thwarted by the movement in the pitch and the guile of Pakistan's spinners, Tauseef Ahmed and Abdul Qadir. As a result, Sri Lanka’s innings ended far sooner than anticipated, leaving them with little chance of building a competitive total.

Sri Lanka’s troubles were compounded by injuries to key players. Silva, a crucial batsman and fielder, was forced to leave the field, and Warnaweera, a promising off-spinner making his Test debut, was also sidelined. In Silva’s absence, P. A. De Silva took over the wicketkeeping duties, a role far removed from his usual position as a bowler. These setbacks, combined with a lack of significant partnerships, left Sri Lanka in a vulnerable position at the close of their first innings.

Pakistan’s Early Struggles

Pakistan, facing similar difficulties in their first innings, were also unable to make a fast start. They lost four wickets for just 58 runs, putting them on the back foot. However, the team’s recovery began when Mudassar Nazar and Salim Malik joined forces at the crease. Their fifth-wicket partnership turned the tide in Pakistan's favour, as the duo battled through the challenging conditions to build a stand of 102 runs.

Mudassar's batting proved to be the backbone of Pakistan's recovery. He occupied the crease for an impressive 364 minutes, facing 239 balls, demonstrating a remarkable level of concentration and mental toughness. His partnership with Malik, lasting 192 minutes, was the key to Pakistan's recovery. By the end of the first innings, Pakistan had managed to gain a lead of 121 runs, thanks to a spirited tail-end contribution from Tauseef Ahmed and Wasim Akram, who put together a quick-fire 30 runs in just 30 minutes. This partnership gave Pakistan a critical cushion, one that proved decisive in the long run.

Sri Lanka’s Second Innings and Collapse

In their second innings, Sri Lanka faced a daunting task, requiring 121 runs to avoid a defeat. The team began cautiously, but the weather intervened, limiting their batting time to just 12 overs before the end of the first day. Despite this delay, Sri Lanka’s situation worsened the following day as they lost two key wickets early, leaving them with little chance of making up the deficit.

After the rest day, when play resumed, Sri Lanka showed little resistance against Pakistan's bowlers, particularly Tauseef, who was in excellent form. His spin bowling, combined with the movement off the pitch, dismantled Sri Lanka's batting lineup with ease. By the time lunch was served, Pakistan had wrapped up the match, securing an inevitable victory.

Controversial Incident

The match’s climax was marred by an incident of tension between the Sri Lankan batsmen and Pakistan’s fielders. During a contentious appeal for a catch, where Ranatunga was dismissed to a forward short-leg fielder, the Sri Lankan batsmen Dias and Ranatunga voiced their objections strongly. In protest, the Sri Lankan players, followed by the umpires, left the field, citing the abuse directed at the umpires by the Pakistan fielders. The protest disrupted the match for several minutes, and it was only when Pakistan's captain, Imran Khan, offered an apology to the umpires that play resumed. This brief but intense moment of discord was quickly forgotten, but it highlighted the emotional volatility of the match and the pressure faced by both teams.

Conclusion

In the end, Pakistan emerged victorious by a substantial margin, thanks to key performances from Mudassar Nazar, who batted with resilience and patience, and Tauseef Ahmed, whose match-winning figures with the ball proved to be the difference. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, were left to reflect on a match that slipped away due to a combination of poor batting, injuries, and the challenging conditions of the pitch. The controversial incident involving the umpires further added to the drama, but it did little to alter the outcome. Pakistan’s victory was a testament to their skill and resolve, while Sri Lanka’s early collapse and subsequent failures under pressure ensured that they would not be able to compete effectively in this match.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A Test of Contrasts: Brilliance and Recklessness in a Dramatic Encounter

The match commenced on a pitch that offered early bounce and movement, a challenge that the West Indies top order struggled to negotiate. Within a short span, three wickets had tumbled for a mere 28 runs, putting the visitors in dire straits. The conditions were testing, demanding patience and application, yet the early dismissals suggested a lapse in technique and temperament against the moving ball.

However, the innings took a dramatic turn as Gordon Greenidge and Alvin Kallicharran came together at the crease. Their partnership provided much-needed stability, countering the New Zealand bowlers with a blend of controlled aggression and resolute defence. When rain interrupted play just before tea, the duo had guided the score to 166, giving West Indies a sense of reprieve after the early blows.

A Crucial Partnership and an Astonishing Collapse

The second day's play began late due to the previous day’s rain, with action resuming at 1:00 p.m. Greenidge and Kallicharran continued from where they had left off, extending their stand to 190. Their 162-run partnership equalled West Indies’ record for the fourth wicket against New Zealand, a testament to their skill and composure.

Yet, just when the West Indies seemed to have gained control, a shocking downturn followed. Greenidge’s departure triggered a dramatic collapse, exposing an inexplicable lack of discipline in the middle order. Kallicharran, Deryck Murray, Clive Lloyd, and Joel Garner all fell to reckless strokes, attempting to hit across the line on a surface that still favoured batting. The recklessness proved costly, as the final seven wickets crumbled for a mere 38 runs.

On a pitch that held few demons, this sequence of dismissals was nothing short of astonishing. The inability to convert a promising position into a formidable total highlighted a worrying pattern of inconsistency within the West Indies’ batting lineup. By the end of the day, New Zealand had safely negotiated seven overs without loss, setting the stage for their reply.

New Zealand’s Commanding Response

The third day began dramatically, mirroring West Indies’ early struggles. John Wright was dismissed off the very first ball of the innings, and John Webb followed soon after, leaving New Zealand in early trouble. However, the momentum quickly shifted as Geoff Howarth stepped in to anchor the innings with a composed display of batting.

Howarth’s innings was a lesson in discipline and patience. Batting for nearly six hours, he notched his fifth Test century, expertly navigating the West Indian attack. Contributions from Mark Parker and Jeremy Coney further solidified New Zealand’s position. As their lead grew, West Indies’ bowlers lost their edge, failing to exert pressure.

Then came Richard Hadlee’s explosive cameo, transforming the innings into a spectacle. Displaying his trademark aggressive stroke play, Hadlee stormed to his maiden Test century in just 115 minutes off 92 deliveries, peppered with eleven boundaries and two sixes. His innings showcased not just power but also an intuitive ability to punish loose deliveries, dismantling an increasingly toothless West Indian attack. By the time New Zealand declared, they had amassed a commanding 232-run lead, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb.

A Resilient Fightback

With their backs against the wall, the West Indies embarked on their second innings under perfect batting conditions. This time, the approach was markedly different. Openers Greenidge and Desmond Haynes displayed patience and precision, forging a commanding partnership. Their 225-run opening stand fell just 14 runs short of the West Indies’ highest opening partnership in Test cricket, signalling a strong resurgence.

Greenidge, in an unfortunate repeat of the first innings, fell in the 90s once again, a cruel twist of fate given his assured stroke play. Haynes, however, went on to register his second century of the series, providing a solid foundation. The middle order capitalized on the platform, with Lawrence Rowe and King both reaching three figures. Their centuries came at a brisk pace, particularly King’s, which was compiled in just over two hours, as the match lost its competitive edge.

A Match of Contrasts

What had begun as an enthralling contest marked by dramatic collapses, exceptional individual performances, and shifting momentum had, by the final day, turned into an exhibition of batting dominance. The recklessness of West Indies’ first innings stood in stark contrast to the application shown in their second, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the game. Similarly, New Zealand’s composed build-up and Hadlee’s attacking masterclass underscored the dynamic shifts in play.

Ultimately, this match served as a microcosm of Test cricket’s enduring appeal—a format where discipline and recklessness, patience and aggression, brilliance and error coexist, shaping narratives that remain unpredictable till the very end.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar