Trent Boult stars as New Zealnd win ODI series against West Indies

Trent Boult claimed seven wickets for 34 runs as New Zealand won the second one-day international against West Indies by 204 runs at the Hagley Oval cricket ground in Christchurch, on Saturday. New Zealand have clinched the 3-match series with a game still to play.

West Indies were bundled out for just 121 runs as Boult produced his career-best figures. Lockie Ferguson took the remaining three wickets for just 17 runs. 
  
West Indies had a dismal start to their chase of the 326-run target set by the Kiwis.

In the absence of star batsman Chris Gayle, who withdrew from the match with an unspecified illness, Windies were immediately in trouble when Boult ripped through the top order. Shai Hope (23) and Ashley Nurse (27) were best scored from the visitors. 

Earlier, Henry Nicholls and Todd Astle led New Zealand to a comprehensive 325 for six batting first.

The pair put on 130 for the sixth wicket with Nicholls unbeaten on 83 while Astle, in only his second ODI, was out in the final over for 49.

George Worker and Ross Taylor also chimed in with half- centuries to propel New Zealand into solid position.

Worker and Colin Munro gave New Zealand a flying start, reaching 50 in the seventh over before Sheldon Cottrell struck.

He removed Munro (30) and Neil Broom (six) in quick succession before Worker and Ross Taylor steadied the innings with a 58-run partnership at better than a run-a-ball pace.

Worker, who was dropped on seven by wicketkeeper Shai Hope, reached his second consecutive half-century against the West Indies and a personal best 58 before he fell to Ronsford Beaton.

West Indies captain Jason Holder reduced New Zealand to 186 for five when he removed Tom Latham and Taylor in the space of 11 balls, leaving Nicholls and Astle to rebuild the innings.

After a slow start, the pair launched into their work in the last 10 overs when New Zealand added 103 runs.

Nicholls' 83 came off 62 balls and included two sixes and seven fours, while Astle faced 45 deliveries for his 49 but only reached the boundary three times.

For the West Indies, Sheldon Cottrell took three for 62.

New Zealand won the first of three ODIs by five wickets on Wednesday. The third and final match in the series will be at Hagley Oval on Tuesday.