Trent Boult Leads NZ to 119‑Run Victory Over West Indies

**Trent Boult** ripped through the West Indies batting line‑up with two early wickets as New Zealand posted 243‑5 on 6 July 2026, clinching a 119‑run win in the third T20I and sealing the series.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat at Eden Park. Martin Guptill and **Michael Munro** built a 136‑run partnership, with Munro blasting a rapid 104 off 53 balls. The Black Caps reached 243‑5 after 20 overs, thanks to sixes from Munro, **Devon Phillips** and **Finn Santner**. West Indies were bowled out for 124, falling 8 wickets down in the 15th over.

Boult opened the bowling and claimed the first wicket, dismissing **Shannon Brathwaite** in his very first over. He later trapped **Rovman Powell** for a low‑score, finishing with figures of 2‑30 from four overs. His early breakthroughs set the tone, forcing the Caribbean side into a defensive stance and contributing to the massive margin.

The performance adds another two‑wicket haul to Boult’s T20I résumé and demonstrates his continued ability to swing the new ball in sub‑continental conditions. With the series now 2‑0, Boult’s role in the win reinforces his position as New Zealand’s premier fast‑bowling spearhead ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Having wrapped up the West Indies tour with a clean sweep, New Zealand will shift focus to the home series against Australia slated for August. Boult is expected to open the attack again, aiming to replicate his early‑over success and keep the pace attack firing.

**Tim Southee** claimed three wickets, while **Ish Sodhi** added two, complementing Boult’s early strike. In the chase, **Kane Williamson** fell for a modest 12, but the damage was already done. West Indies struggled after losing **Andre Fletcher** for 46, and a run‑out of **Andre Taylor** sealed their fate.

- New Zealand: 243‑5 (20 overs)-highest T20I total for the side.

- West Indies: 124 all out (14.5 overs).

- Boult: 2‑30 (4 overs), first‑over wicket.

- Munro: 104 (53 balls), 10 sixes, 3 fours.

- Series result: New Zealand 2‑0 West Indies.

The win caps a dominant tour for the Black Caps and highlights **Trent Boult**’s knack for early breakthroughs, a trait that will be vital as New Zealand prepares for the next international challenge.