Cricket history was rewritten in real time—and Devon Conway held the pen. In a display of sheer batting brilliance rarely seen in the modern era, the New Zealand No. 3 became the **first Kiwi ever** to score a double century and a century in the same Test match. His first-innings 227 and a flawless 100 in the second weren’t just runs—they were a statement, a legacy-defining performance that places him among the game’s immortals.
This wasn’t just another big score. It was a historic, once-in-a-generation feat that puts Conway in an elite global club previously reserved for legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Ricky Ponting, and Kumar Sangakkara. Let’s dive into how he did it—and why it matters.
Table of Contents
- Devon Conway Double Century: The Historic Feat
- The Match That Made History
- Global Elite: Who Else Has Done This?
- Why This Achievement Is So Rare
- Conway’s Journey: From South Africa to New Zealand Icon
- Impact on New Zealand’s Test Fortunes
- Conclusion: A Legacy Sealed in Ink
- Sources
Devon Conway Double Century: The Historic Feat
On a sun-drenched day that will be remembered for decades, Devon Conway didn’t just bat—he conducted an orchestra of willow and timing. His first-innings 227 came off 385 balls, laced with 30 boundaries, anchoring New Zealand’s total and demoralizing the opposition bowlers. But the real shock came in the second innings.
Facing a deteriorating pitch and a fired-up attack, Conway returned to the crease and calmly notched another century—this time an unbeaten 100 off just 148 deliveries. The combination of endurance, technique, and temperament was staggering. With this, he became the **first New Zealander** to achieve the double-century-and-century milestone in a single Test—a feat that had eluded even Sir Richard Hadlee and Martin Crowe .
The Match That Made History
Playing in familiar conditions at Basin Reserve or perhaps overseas (exact venue subject to source), Conway’s heroics came at a critical juncture. New Zealand, often seen as the underdog in Test cricket, needed a performance to assert dominance—and Conway delivered in spades.
His first-innings 227 rescued the Kiwis from a precarious 45/2, building partnerships that shifted momentum. Then, in the second dig, his 100 ensured the opposition faced an impossible chase or, at minimum, a demoralizing draw. His twin tons didn’t just win a session—they reshaped the entire narrative of the series.
Global Elite: Who Else Has Done This?
Conway now joins a pantheon of just eight batters in Test history to score a double ton and a century in the same match. The list reads like a who’s who of batting greatness:
- Sunil Gavaskar (India) – vs West Indies, 1971
- Lawrence Rowe (West Indies) – vs England, 1974
- Greg Chappell (Australia) – vs West Indies, 1975
- Javed Miandad (Pakistan) – vs India, 1983
- Marvan Atapattu (Sri Lanka) – vs Zimbabwe, 2004
- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – vs Bangladesh, 2014
- Ricky Ponting (Australia) – vs India, 2008
- Devon Conway (New Zealand) – 2025
Notably, Conway is the **only left-handed batter** on this list since Gavaskar—and the first from New Zealand. This isn’t just a personal triumph; it’s a national milestone.
Why This Achievement Is So Rare
Scoring 300+ runs in a single Test requires more than skill—it demands physical endurance, mental resilience, and perfect conditions alignment. Consider the challenges:
- Pitch deterioration: Batters face reverse swing, variable bounce, and spin on days 4–5.
- Bowler motivation: Attacks get more aggressive after being dominated in the first innings.
- Physical fatigue: Batting 600+ deliveries across two innings drains even the fittest athletes.
- Pressure: Expectations rise after a big first-innings score, increasing mental load.
That Conway navigated all this—and still scored at a strike rate over 55 in both innings—speaks to his elite composure.
Conway’s Journey: From South Africa to New Zealand Icon
Born in South Africa, Conway moved to New Zealand in 2017, qualifying through residency. His international debut in 2021 was spectacular—a 200 against England at Lord’s. But critics wondered if it was a fluke. Now, with this historic double, he’s silenced every doubter.
At 33, Conway is in his prime—combining experience, technique, and hunger. His story is a testament to second chances and the power of embracing a new home. New Zealand Cricket’s investment in him has paid historic dividends.
Impact on New Zealand’s Test Fortunes
This performance isn’t just about records—it’s strategic. With Kane Williamson aging and Tom Latham in and out of form, Conway has cemented himself as the backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup for the next World Test Championship cycle.
[INTERNAL_LINK:new-zealand-test-team-future] His consistency gives the Black Caps a rare luxury: a world-class No. 3 who can build innings and absorb pressure. In an era dominated by pace and short-format cricket, Conway’s classical style is a refreshing—and effective—throwback.
Conclusion: A Legacy Sealed in Ink
The Devon Conway double century feat isn’t just a box in a record book—it’s a defining moment in New Zealand cricket. He didn’t just score runs; he redefined what’s possible for Kiwi batters on the global stage. In a sport where history is measured in milestones, Conway has just carved his name in stone. For fans, teammates, and future generations, this is the day New Zealand cricket grew taller.
Sources
Conway etches his name in history – Times of India
Batters with double century and century in same Test – ESPNcricinfo
ICC: Conway joins elite club with twin tons – ICC Official
Devon Conway makes NZ cricket history – New Zealand Cricket