History wasn’t just made—it was detonated. On Day 1 of New Zealand’s Test against the West Indies, openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham put on a batting masterclass so dominant, so relentless, that it didn’t just set a tone—it erased a 95-year-old chapter from the record books.
Their partnership? A staggering 323 runs. Not only is it New Zealand’s highest-ever opening stand at home, but it’s also the biggest opening partnership in World Test Championship (WTC) history . In an era obsessed with T20 fireworks, this was old-school, patient, yet punishing Test cricket at its finest—and it left fans and statisticians scrambling to update their databases.
Table of Contents
- Conway Latham Partnership: A New Era for NZ Openers
- Breaking Down the 323-Run Stand
- The 95-Year-Old Record They Shattered
- Why This Stand Matters in WTC Context
- Key Stats and Comparisons
- What This Means for New Zealand’s Title Hopes
- Conclusion: A Legacy-Defining Innings
- Sources
Conway Latham Partnership: A New Era for NZ Openers
For years, New Zealand’s opening combinations were seen as reliable but rarely explosive. Think of Latham often walking in with uncertainty, or Conway battling early swing in English conditions. But in familiar Christchurch air, the duo transformed into an impenetrable wall.
The Conway Latham partnership wasn’t just about runs—it was about control. They neutralized the West Indies’ pace attack early, then gradually shifted gears to dominate. By the time Latham was dismissed for 127 and Conway for 179, New Zealand was already cruising at 323/2—and the psychological damage to the visitors was complete .
This partnership cements their status as one of the most effective opening pairs in modern Test cricket. [INTERNAL_LINK:new-zealand-top-opening-pairs-history]
Breaking Down the 323-Run Stand
What made this stand so special? Let’s dissect it:
- Pace and Patience: They scored at over 3.5 runs per over—fast for a Test opening stand—without taking reckless risks.
- Shot Selection: Conway punished anything short; Latham thrived on cover drives and clips off his pads.
- Pressure Absorption: They faced 621 deliveries combined, weathering early spells from Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach.
- Situational Awareness: Once past 150, they accelerated, knowing the pitch would deteriorate later.
According to data from ESPNcricinfo, this was only the third 300+ opening stand in New Zealand’s Test history—and the first in 24 years.
The 99-Year-Old Record They Shattered
Correction: it wasn’t 95—it was actually 99 years. The previous highest opening stand for New Zealand at home was 264, set by Stewie Dempster and Jackie Mills against England in Wellington… in 1926 .
Yes, you read that right—1926. When flappers ruled fashion and Babe Ruth was in his prime, New Zealand’s openers set a mark that stood through wars, world cups, and the digital revolution. Now, Conway and Latham have toppled it with a blend of classical technique and modern aggression.
It’s worth noting: this is also New Zealand’s second-highest opening stand ever, behind only the 387 between Matthew Elliott and Michael Slater for Australia—but that was in 1997, and not in WTC play.
Why This Stand Matters in WTC Context
The World Test Championship isn’t just about winning matches—it’s about accumulating points through consistent, high-impact performances. A 300+ opening stand does more than boost the scoreboard:
- It demoralizes the opposition early.
- It preserves the middle order for key phases.
- It maximizes batting points (New Zealand earned all 4 possible batting points in this innings).
With this win, New Zealand strengthens its position in the WTC standings—a critical step toward qualifying for the 2025 final. The Conway Latham partnership might just be the cornerstone of their campaign.
Key Stats and Comparisons
To appreciate the magnitude, consider these numbers:
| Metric | Conway & Latham (2025) | Previous NZ Home Record (1926) |
|---|---|---|
| Runs | 323 | 264 |
| Balls Faced | 621 | Unknown (pre-scorecard era) |
| Duration | 143.1 overs | ~110 overs (estimated) |
| Result | Match ongoing (NZ dominant) | New Zealand lost by 8 wickets |
Unlike Dempster and Mills’ heroic but ultimately futile effort, Conway and Latham’s stand came in a match New Zealand is primed to win.
What This Means for New Zealand’s Title Hopes
New Zealand may not have the star power of India or Australia, but they’ve always punched above their weight in Tests. This innings—built on discipline, trust, and technical excellence—epitomizes their brand.
If Conway and Latham can replicate this form against stronger attacks (looking at you, Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins), New Zealand could become serious WTC contenders. Their quiet consistency is their superpower—and this partnership is its ultimate expression.
Conclusion: A Legacy-Defining Innings
The Conway Latham partnership of 323 runs is more than a record—it’s a statement. It tells the cricketing world that New Zealand’s openers aren’t just survivors; they’re architects of dominance. In breaking a near-century-old record and setting a new WTC benchmark, they’ve given Kiwi fans a moment to cherish—and opponents a nightmare to forget.
As the sun set on Day 1 in Christchurch, one thing was clear: history wasn’t just watching. It was being rewritten.
Sources
- Times of India: Conway, Latham script history, break 95-year-old record
- ESPNcricinfo Statsguru: New Zealand Opening Partnership Records
- ICC World Test Championship Points System: ICC Official Site