New Zealand‘s opening batters have scripted some monumental stands in Check cricket historical past, laying foundations for historic victories and drawn battles. The newest entry got here on December 18, 2025, when Devon Conway and captain Tom Latham smashed a colossal 323-run partnership in opposition to West Indies at Mount Maunganui, propelling New Zealand to 334-1 on day one of many third Check. This effort not solely ranks because the second-highest opening stand for the Black Caps but additionally underscores the fashionable duo’s dominance, eclipsing a number of iconic partnerships over 50 years previous.
High 5 historic opening stands for New Zealand in Check
- Terry Jarvis & Glenn Turner – 387 runs vs West Indies, Georgetown, 1972
This stays the gold normal for New Zealand openers, solid throughout the fourth Check of their gruelling tour of the Caribbean at Bourda, Guyana. West Indies declared at 365/7 after batting first, however Jarvis (182 off 555 balls) and Turner (259 off 759 balls) batted practically 9 hours to surpass that whole, erasing the deficit in a match that resulted in a draw after simply ten wickets fell throughout 5 days. The stand, New Zealand’s highest partnership general on the time, showcased unflinching persistence on a carrying pitch, with Turner persevering with to 259 as Jarvis anchored solidly in opposition to a potent tempo assault led by Andy Roberts.
- Devon Conway & Tom Latham – 323 runs vs West Indies, Mount Maunganui, 2025
In a scientific show below Bay Oval’s sunny skies, Conway (178*) and Latham (137) dismantled West Indies’ bowless assault on the opening day of the third Check. Latham fell simply earlier than stumps to a rash shot, however the pair’s methodical accumulation—mixing crisp drives and nurdles—uncovered the guests’ lack of penetration, marking solely the eighth 300-plus stand for New Zealand in Assessments. As captain, Latham’s composure complemented Conway’s fluency, signalling New Zealand’s intent to dominate the collection and cementing their standing because the premier opening pair of the fashionable period.
Additionally READ: Fans go gaga as Devon Conway hammers a double century against West Indies on Day 2 of the 3rd Test
- Stewie Dempster & Jackie Mills – 276 runs vs England, Wellington, 1930
New Zealand’s second Check ever produced a landmark on an ideal Basin Reserve day, as Dempster (136) and Mills constructed the then-highest opening stand globally, third general in Check historical past. Batting first after profitable the toss, they redeemed Kiwi cricket’s repute in opposition to a powerful MCC aspect, with Dempster turning into the primary New Zealander to attain a Check century within the course of. The partnership propelled New Zealand to 385 all out, although England responded stoutly; it stood as the house file for 89 years till latest assaults.
- Tom Latham & Jeet Raval – 254 runs vs Bangladesh, Hamilton, 2019
Throughout the first Check at Seddon Park, Latham and Jeet Raval floor Bangladesh into submission on a sluggish pitch, erasing their first-innings lead and pushing New Zealand to 333/2 earlier than Raval departed at 254. Latham (his 264* later within the innings set a private finest) dominated lengths with pulls and drives, whereas Raval’s resilience—surviving 75 balls for his first runs—pissed off the spinners. This stand, New Zealand’s highest dwelling opening partnership for many years, paved the best way for a series-clinching win, highlighting Latham’s consistency as an opener.
- Mark Richardson & Lou Vincent – 231 runs vs India, Mohali, 2003
On a flat Punjab Cricket Affiliation Stadium deck, Richardson and Vincent blunted India’s spin-heavy assault within the second Check, punishing unfastened deliveries to surpass New Zealand’s earlier file in opposition to India. Their gritty strokeplay amid turning circumstances set a platform for Ross Taylor‘s later counterattack, although the match drew. Vincent’s aggression complemented Richardson’s dogged protection, proving Kiwi openers may thrive subcontinentally and holding as a benchmark till Latham-Raval’s exploits.
These partnerships mirror New Zealand’s evolution from defensive survival to assertive dominance, with Conway-Latham’s recent exploit respiratory new life into the record. As Check cricket adapts to shorter codecs’ pressures, such stands stay important for establishing victories, particularly with Black Caps chasing World Check Championship glory.
Additionally READ: Fans react as Devon Conway and Tom Latham’s triple-century opening stand for New Zealand dismantles West Indies bowling attack on Day 1 of Mount Maunganui Test
