Devon​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Conway was the one to make a spectacular reply to the fact that he was not bought at the IPL 2026 auction by a defining-against-WI-career innings at Mount Maunganui a few days after passing through the auction without being fetched, a New Zealand opener slash pyranometer made a monumental 226 which made the hosts to be very comfortably in command and this whole doubting around his form and value was wiped out.

Conway Converts Off-Day Into Offensive Play

After Day 1, Conway was still not out with 178 runs and he had already batted through the entirety of the opening day. He went on to bat for more than seven hours and in that time he exhibited total patience, command, and selection of shots. His innings was terminated at 226 when he was judged lbw by Justin Greaves, but up to that point, the destruction had been done for a long time.

The ton was the first time Conway surpassed his memorable double century at Lord’s on debut in 2021, making it the highest score in the test innings for him. He took 316 balls to reach the landmark and hit 28 boundaries thereby showing his skill of mixing restraint with ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌power.

Record Opening Stand Sets the Tone

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ huge opening stand of Conway and Latham was the main reason for New Zealand’s success. Together they scored 323 runs, Tre dismantling the West Indies bowling attack and thus making it very easy for the rest of the team to build on the foundation. Latham orchestrated the perfect support play, hitting a stylish 137 and then leaving the crease so that Conway could take the innings forward.

Following Latham’s wicket, nightwatchman Jacob Duffy managed to score a few singles before Jayden Seales got him out, while Kane Williamson seemed to be out of sorts as he waited to bat for a long time. The one-time captain scored 31 before catching one behind, and thus, the visitors got a little respite.

West Indies Struggle for Breakthroughs

Without Kemar Roach, who had to go off due to a hamstring injury, the West Indies bowlers could not create any real chances. Conway got a little help on 206 from Kavem Hodge who missed the short cover catch but otherwise, he was barely challenged. His sticking to the line outside the off stump and his ruthless attacking of the bowler’s loose deliveries were the main reasons why there was such a big difference between the bat and the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ball.

Conway eventually fell to a delivery that jagged back and stayed low, striking him on the back pad. He walked off immediately without a review, acknowledging a fine ball. Players from both sides and the crowd rose to applaud an innings of exceptional quality.

A Timely Reminder of Conway’s Class

New Zealand, already leading the series 1–0 after a draw and a nine-wicket win in the first two Tests, tightened their grip further through Conway’s heroics. Beyond the match situation, the innings served as a powerful reminder of Conway’s stature in red-ball cricket.

While the IPL auction may have overlooked him, Conway ensured that his bat did the talking — delivering a statement performance that reaffirmed his value on the biggest Test stage.