Boult powers NZ to a mammoth victory

It secured the three-match series for the Black Caps after its first-up five-wicket win in Whangarei on Wednesday. The final ODI will be in Christchurch on Boxing Day.

The Windies never looked like chasing down New Zealand’s 325-run target. It was bowled out for 121 in 28 overs, with Boult the main destroyer in topping New Zealand’s bowling figures against the West Indies. Boult also ticked off 100 ODI wickets with his haul, having collected 94 going into the match. 

Nicholls’ unbeaten 83 off 62 balls led the way to his best-ever ODI tally, the 26-year-old left-hander belting seven fours and two sixes along the way. Astle provided invaluable support in just his second ODI, falling one run short of his maiden 50 when he was clean bowled by seamer Sheldon Cottrell two balls into the final over. 

The West Indies got off to a horror start, losing both openers in the first four overs. Boult was responsible for both, clean bowling Kyle Hope for four then tempting Evin Lewis (10) into a mistimed pull shot, which was taken at fine leg by Doug Bracewell. 

Lockie Ferguson (3-17) all but completed the Windies rout with back-toback wickets in the 16th over — Jason Mohammed (18) then Rovman Powell for a golden duck. Ashley Nurse (27) and Ronsford Beaton (12 not out) delayed the inevitable before Boult cleaned up the tail to complete his seven-wicket haul.