New Zealand‘s opening batters have scripted some monumental stands in Test cricket history, laying foundations for historic victories and drawn battles. The latest entry came on December 18, 2025, when Devon Conway and captain Tom Latham smashed a colossal 323-run partnership against West Indies at Mount Maunganui, propelling New Zealand to 334-1 on day one of the third Test. This effort not only ranks as the second-highest opening stand for the Black Caps but also underscores the modern duo’s dominance, eclipsing several iconic partnerships over 50 years old.
Top 5 historic opening stands for New Zealand in Test
- Terry Jarvis & Glenn Turner – 387 runs vs West Indies, Georgetown, 1972
This remains the gold standard for New Zealand openers, forged during the fourth Test of their gruelling tour of the Caribbean at Bourda, Guyana. West Indies declared at 365/7 after batting first, but Jarvis (182 off 555 balls) and Turner (259 off 759 balls) batted nearly nine hours to surpass that total, erasing the deficit in a match that ended in a draw after just ten wickets fell across five days. The stand, New Zealand’s highest partnership overall at the time, showcased unflinching patience on a wearing pitch, with Turner continuing to 259 as Jarvis anchored solidly against a potent pace attack led by Andy Roberts.
- Devon Conway & Tom Latham – 323 runs vs West Indies, Mount Maunganui, 2025
In a clinical display under Bay Oval’s sunny skies, Conway (178*) and Latham (137) dismantled West Indies’ bowless attack on the opening day of the third Test. Latham fell just before stumps to a rash shot, but the pair’s methodical accumulation—blending crisp drives and nurdles—exposed the visitors’ lack of penetration, marking only the eighth 300-plus stand for New Zealand in Tests. As captain, Latham’s composure complemented Conway’s fluency, signalling New Zealand’s intent to dominate the series and cementing their status as the premier opening pair of the modern era.
- Stewie Dempster & Jackie Mills – 276 runs vs England, Wellington, 1930
New Zealand’s second Test ever produced a landmark on a perfect Basin Reserve day, as Dempster (136) and Mills built the then-highest opening stand globally, third overall in Test history. Batting first after winning the toss, they redeemed Kiwi cricket’s reputation against a strong MCC side, with Dempster becoming the first New Zealander to score a Test century in the process. The partnership propelled New Zealand to 385 all out, though England responded stoutly; it stood as the home record for 89 years until recent assaults.
- Tom Latham & Jeet Raval – 254 runs vs Bangladesh, Hamilton, 2019
During the first Test at Seddon Park, Latham and Jeet Raval ground Bangladesh into submission on a slow pitch, erasing their first-innings lead and pushing New Zealand to 333/2 before Raval departed at 254. Latham (his 264* later in the innings set a personal best) dominated lengths with pulls and drives, while Raval’s resilience—surviving 75 balls for his first runs—frustrated the spinners. This stand, New Zealand’s highest home opening partnership for decades, paved the 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 Association Stadium deck, Richardson and Vincent blunted India’s spin-heavy attack in the second Test, punishing loose deliveries to surpass New Zealand’s previous record against India. Their gritty strokeplay amid turning conditions set a platform for Ross Taylor‘s later counterattack, though the match drew. Vincent’s aggression complemented Richardson’s dogged defense, proving Kiwi openers could thrive subcontinentally and holding as a benchmark until Latham-Raval’s exploits.
These partnerships reflect New Zealand’s evolution from defensive survival to assertive dominance, with Conway-Latham’s fresh exploit breathing new life into the list. As Test cricket adapts to shorter formats’ pressures, such stands remain vital for setting up victories, especially with Black Caps chasing World Test Championship glory.
