NZ beat Windies, take series

Christchurch : Trent Boult took a career-best 7-34 after Henry Nicholls had smashed an unbeaten 83 as New Zealand thrashed the West Indies by 204 runs yesterday to win the second one-day international and clinch their three-match series with a game still to play.

Lockie Ferguson chipped in with 3-17 as New Zealand’s fast bowlers skittled the West Indies for just 121 after the home side had posted an imposing total of 325-6, with three batsmen posting half-centuries at Hagley Oval.

Already missing star opening batsmen Chris Gayle, who withdrew from the match with an unspecified illness, the West Indies were immediately in trouble when Boult ripped through the top order.

He bowled Kyle Hope (4) with a ball that straightened and hit off stump then removed the other opener Evin Lewis (10), caught at backward square leg. Boult then dismissed Shimron Hetmyer (2), caught at second slip, then removed Shai Hope (23) with a high top edge to wicketkeeper Tom Latham.

Ferguson got rid of Jason Mohammed (18) and Rovman Powell (0) with consecutive deliveries, then the West Indies captain Jason Holder (13), the last of the recognized batsmen.

Boult returned after his six over opening spell to quickly polish off the innings, removing Sheldon Cottrell (8), Ashley Nurse (27) and Shannon Gabriel (no score). Nurse was Boult’s 100th wicket in ODIs, enabling him to become just the fifth New Zealander to take 200 wickets in tests and 100 wickets in ODIs.

If I could pin it down to anything it was a little bit of movement in the first spell with the new ball,” Boult said. “But to go out and get seven was something I wasn’t really expecting.

“Today I just tried to keep it as simple as possible, try to remain aggressive and bowl a few short balls and to get a few wickets was very satisfying.”