Justin Greaves slams historic double ton: Highest scores for WI vs NZ in Test cricket

Highest individual Test scores for WI against NZ [Source: @ICC/X.com]

When Justin Greaves walked out to bat against New Zealand in the first Test in 2025, not many expected a historic moment. But by the time he walked off the field, he had written his name into the West Indies’ Test history books. 

Greaves slammed a double century and registered his personal best score to force a draw against a strong Kiwi side. 

His knock is now amongst the top 5 highest individual scores for the West Indies against New Zealand in Test format. Let’s take a detailed look at the list.

---

ALSO READ

Highest 4th innings run-chases in New Zealand

---

5. Chris Gayle - 197 runs

5. Chris Gayle - 197 runs [Source: @UbochiJohnson/X.com]

In 2008, the West Indies featured in the second Test against New Zealand at Napier, where ‘universe boss’ Chris Gayle created a storm. In the second inning, the visitors had a 64-run trail, and as opener, Gayle went against his usual aggressive style to play a gritty knock and hit a century. 

Despite no support from the other end, Chris hammered 197 off 396 balls but heartbreakingly missed his double century by just 3 runs. Regardless, his knock helped the Windies draw the game.

4. Justin Greaves - 202* runs

4. Justin Greaves - 202* runs [Source: @CricUpdate58494/X.com]

Fast forward to 2025, the West Indies were in Hagley Oval for the first Test vs New Zealand and had to chase 530 runs. A draw was the only option for the Windies, but they needed someone to stand like a wall, and Justin Greaves did just that. 

He knitted a 196-run partnership with Shai Hope (140), and both scored a century. But Greaves wasn’t done. He again built a 180-run stand with Kemar Roach to slam his maiden double ton in Tests. Justin Greaves stood unbeaten at 202 off 388 balls, and West Indies successfully drew the game.

3. Gordon Greenidge - 213 runs

3. Gordon Greenidge - 213 runs [Source: @nimishdubey/X.com]

Star West Indies opener Gordon Greenidge smashed a record double century in the 2nd Test against New Zealand held at Auckland in 1987. His knock single-handedly helped the Windies declare at 418/9. The Kiwis were in shambles, getting bowled out for 157 as the visitors enforced a follow-on. 

The West Indies eventually had to chase only 16 runs, and they did it to win by 10 wickets. Greenidge was undoubtedly the player of the match, as his knock shaped West Indies cricket’s future.

2. Darren Bravo - 218 runs

2. Darren Bravo - 218 runs [Source: @Houseof_Cricket/X.com]

In 2013, the West Indies toured New Zealand and played their first Test at Dunedin. The hosts had piled up 609 runs in the first inning, and the Windies succumbed to 213 in the second inning, thus facing a follow-on. But this time, Darren Bravo put up a valiant fight. 

He formed crucial partnerships with Kirk Edwards, Deonarine, and Daren Sammy to slam a remarkable double century. Bravo scored 218 off 416 balls before Trent Boult dismissed him. The Windies scored 507 and set a target of 111 runs, but the game eventually ended in a draw.

1. Seymour Nurse - 258 runs

1. Seymour Nurse - 258 runs [Source: @fredfertang/X.com]

Back in 1969, the West Indies went on a tour to New Zealand, where the third Test was played at Christchurch. It was Seymour Nurse’s final tour to the Kiwi land, and it made it count. 

In the first inning, Nurse hammered 258 runs off 476 balls and single-handedly guided the visitors to a strong total of 417. New Zealand fell to 217 and faced a follow-on. 

But Brian Hastings’ century in the third inning saved the day as the match ended in a draw. Regardless, for Seymour Nurse, it was a historic Test. His knock still remains one of the greatest double centuries in West Indies-New Zealand Test history and has stood tall for decades.

---

ALSO READ

Biggest partnerships stitched in the history of NZ vs WI Tests

---