New Zealand Duo Claim WTC Best with Record-Breaking Opening Stand

New Zealand’s opening pair Tom Latham and Devon Conway etched their names into cricket history with a sensational 323-run partnership against the West Indies, setting a new benchmark in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). The record-breaking stand came on the opening day of the third Test at Mount Maunganui, showcasing New Zealand’s dominance and batting depth in red-ball cricket. So Let’s take a look at What record did Latham and Conway break.

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This partnership is now the highest opening stand in WTC history, surpassing the previous record held by India’s Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal.

Latham and Conway Deliver a Captain’s Knock and Classy Masterclass

Leading from the front, skipper Tom Latham produced a composed century, scoring 137 runs, marking his 15th Test hundred. At the other end, Devon Conway was the picture of control and patience, remaining unbeaten on 178, registering his sixth Test century.

Their understanding, shot selection, and ability to punish loose deliveries left the West Indies bowlers searching for answers throughout the day.

A Rare Feat in New Zealand Test History

Opening partnerships exceeding 300 runs are extremely rare in Test cricket. For New Zealand, such a feat had not been achieved for over five decades. The last time their openers crossed the 300-run mark was in 1972, when Glenn Turner and Terry Jarvis put together a mammoth stand against the same opposition.

While Latham and Conway fell short of New Zealand’s all-time opening record, their effort ranks among the top opening partnerships in global Test history and stands as the best since the WTC began in 2019.

West Indies Struggle as New Zealand Take Control

The West Indies bowlers endured a long and exhausting day in the field. Veteran pacer Kemar Roach finally provided a breakthrough late in the day, dismissing Latham, but by then the damage had been done.

New Zealand ended Day 1 at 334 for 1, firmly in command, with Conway still at the crease and night-watchman Jacob Duffy providing support.

What This Means for the World Test Championship

This partnership not only boosts New Zealand’s position in the ongoing Test but also reinforces their reputation as one of the most disciplined Test sides in the WTC era. Strong opening stands have been a hallmark of their success, and this record further strengthens their legacy in the championship.

FAQs

Q1: What record did Latham and Conway break?
They set the highest opening partnership in ICC World Test Championship history with 323 runs.

Q2: Who held the previous WTC opening record?
Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal of India with a 317-run stand in 2019.

Q3: Is this New Zealand’s highest opening partnership ever?
No, it is the second-highest. The record remains 387 runs set in 1972.

Q4: Where was the match played?
At Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.

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