The West Indies team is currently touring New Zealand. After completing a T20 and ODI series, both teams have moved on to a three-match Test series. The first Test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch featured a remarkable display of grit from a West Indies batsman who battled an eye infection but still managed to score a brilliant century.

A brave and memorable innings
Chasing a massive target of 531 runs in the final innings, West Indies were in trouble early, losing four wickets for just 74 runs. Batting at number four, Shai Hope stepped up under immense pressure. A day earlier, on day three, Hope had stayed off the field due to an eye allergy. But when he saw his team struggling on the fourth day, he decided to return—and walked out to bat wearing glasses.

Despite discomfort and restricted vision, Shai Hope played one of the finest innings of his career. He reached his century off 139 balls, striking 14 fours and one six. This was his fourth Test century. Hope had also contributed in the first innings, scoring a solid 56 off 107 balls, although West Indies were bowled out for only 167.

The year 2025 belongs to Shai Hope
Shai Hope’s form in 2025 has been exceptional. He has delivered match-winning knocks across formats. On this New Zealand tour, he scored a century in the ODI series as well. Earlier in the year, he struck a Test century in India, a T20I century against Australia, and an ODI century against Pakistan. With this latest hundred, Hope has now crossed 1,600 international runs in 2025, making it one of the most prolific years of his career.