New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway made cricket history in Mount Maunganui by each scoring centuries in both innings of the ongoing Test against the West Indies. Latham struck 137 and 101, while Conway compiled 227 and 100, marking the first time in Test or first-class cricket that two openers have achieved twin centuries in the same match. Their partnership propelled New Zealand to declare their second innings at 306 for 2, setting a commanding 462-run target.

The West Indies, led by Kavem Hodge’s earlier century of 123 not out, reached 43 without loss by the end of the fourth day. Despite their strong first-innings total of 420, the visitors now face a daunting chase on the final day. Cricket analysts have hailed Latham and Conway’s feat as a rare display of consistency and mental strength, underscoring New Zealand’s batting depth.

The record-setting performance strengthens New Zealand’s position in the series and adds a new chapter to Test cricket’s statistical history, with attention now turning to whether the West Indies can resist defeat on the final day.

West Indies showed remarkable composure on the third day of the Mount Maunganui Test, responding strongly to New Zealand’s imposing first-innings total of 575 for eight declared. Kavem Hodge led the resistance with an unbeaten 109 off 254 balls, featuring 14 boundaries, while Brandon King contributed 63 and John Campbell added 45. The visitors finished the day at 381 for six, trailing by 194 runs with four wickets in hand.

Earlier, New Zealand’s innings was powered by Devon Conway’s 227 and Tom Latham’s 137, setting a daunting target. Despite early setbacks, the Caribbean side displayed grit, with Allick Athanaze and Justin Greaves narrowly missing half-centuries. Jacob Duffy and Ajaz Patel claimed two wickets each for the hosts.

The match remains delicately poised heading into the fourth day. West Indies will aim to narrow the deficit and avoid a follow-on, while New Zealand seeks quick breakthroughs to maintain control of the Test.

New Zealand’s top order dominated the second day of the Mount Maunganui Test against West Indies, with opener Devon Conway converting his overnight century into a commanding double hundred. Conway’s 227 off 367 balls, featuring 31 boundaries, anchored the innings as New Zealand declared at 575 for eight. Tom Latham added 137, while Rachin Ravindra remained unbeaten on 72, ensuring the hosts built a formidable first-innings total.

West Indies’ bowlers struggled to contain the Kiwi batsmen, with Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip, and Justin Greaves each taking two wickets. In response, the Caribbean side made a strong start, reaching 110 without loss at stumps. Brandon King (55*) and John Campbell (45*) held firm, though their team still trails by 465 runs.

The match remains tilted heavily in New Zealand’s favor, with the visitors needing a massive effort to avoid a follow-on. The third day’s play will be crucial as West Indies aim to build partnerships and reduce the deficit on a batting-friendly Bay Oval pitch.

West Indies are chasing a record 531 runs to win against New Zealand after the hosts declared their second innings at 466 for 8 on the fourth day of the Test. New Zealand resumed the day at 417 for 4 and added 49 more runs before declaring, with Rachin Ravindra scoring 176 and Kemar Roach taking five wickets for 78 runs. In reply, West Indies stumbled early, losing four wickets for just 72 runs. However, Shai Hope and Justin Greaves steadied the innings with an unbroken 140-run partnership for the fifth wicket. At stumps on day four, West Indies reached 212 for 4, with Hope unbeaten on 116. They need 319 more runs on the final day to achieve what would be a world-record chase in Test cricket, a task considered extremely difficult but not impossible.

New Zealand’s Supreme Court has upheld a lower court’s ruling that Uber drivers should be classified as employees rather than independent contractors, marking a major legal victory for gig economy workers. The unanimous decision dismissed Uber’s appeal against a 2022 Employment Court ruling involving four drivers represented by two unions. The court’s judgment could enable thousands of Uber drivers in New Zealand to claim full employment rights, including back pay and benefits such as minimum wage, paid leave, and the right to collective bargaining. The Workers First Union welcomed the ruling, saying it sets a precedent for fairer treatment of gig workers. Uber expressed disappointment, warning that the decision could have broad implications for contracting arrangements across the country. Despite the ruling, Uber said its operations in New Zealand would continue as usual for now. The case aligns New Zealand with similar legal developments in countries like the United Kingdom, where courts have also recognized Uber drivers as employees.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called for urgent measures to halt the ongoing massacre in Gaza. Writing in The Guardian, she emphasized that increased international recognition of Palestine and an immediate halt to military cooperation are crucial. Ardern stressed delivering humanitarian aid, medical support for the injured, malnourished, pregnant women, and new mothers. Addressing global leaders ahead of the UN General Assembly, she urged prioritizing Gaza amid global crises, warning against dehumanizing people by treating them as mere numbers.

Around 50,000 demonstrators joined a pro-Palestinian march in Auckland, New Zealand—one of the largest rallies since the Gaza war began, organizers claimed. Police estimated the turnout closer to 20,000.

Protesters carried Palestinian flags and banners, demanding that New Zealand impose sanctions on Israel. Organizers had planned to block a key city bridge but abandoned the move due to stormy weather. Police confirmed that no arrests were made.

The Palestinian Authority says at least 64,756 people have been killed in the Gaza conflict so far. New Zealand’s government is reportedly considering whether to officially recognize Palestine as a state.

New Zealand has simplified travel visa rules to attract digital nomads and boost its tourism sector. Tourists can now work remotely for foreign employers while staying in the country for up to 90 days. The changes, effective from January 27, aim to increase tourist spending and make New Zealand more appealing for remote workers. However, those requiring physical presence in New Zealand must apply for appropriate visas. The government sees this as a way to revive economic growth after a recent recession.