BSP-15 Munro blasts record century as New Zealand crush West Indies

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BSP-15

CRICKET-NZL-WIS LEAD

Munro blasts record century as New Zealand crush West Indies

MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand, Jan 3, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Colin Munro smashed
his way into the record books as New Zealand crushed the West Indies by 119
runs in the final Twenty20 at Mount Maunganui on Wednesday to sweep the
series.

Munro, with a rollicking 104 off 53 deliveries, became the first player to
hit three centuries in international Twenty20 cricket as New Zealand posted
an imposing 243 for five, their highest Twenty20 total.

The West Indies reply began disastrously with openers Chadwick Walton and
Chris Gayle out without scoring in Tim Southee’s opening over.

Their innings folded at 124 for nine in 16.3 overs with Shai Hope unable
to bat after being injured while fielding.

It ended a disappointing tour for the West Indies with New Zealand winning
both Tests, the three one-day internationals and two Twenty20s with one match
washed out.

With the West Indies two down for one run after five balls, Andre Fletcher
did his best to rebuild the innings and ensured the tourists kept up with New
Zealand’s run rate for the first eight overs.

But the introduction of spin saw Fletcher’s innings come to an end. He was
bowled by Ish Sodhi for 46, and the momentum fizzled.

From 80 for four after eight overs, the last five West Indies wickets fell
for 44 runs in 51 balls.

Munro was in majestic form as he blasted away at the top of the New
Zealand innings.

He faced 53 balls, smacking 10 sixes and three fours.

With previous centuries against India and Bangladesh, he moved ahead of a
group of four players, including Gayle, who have two international T20
centuries.

Munro and Martin Guptill gave New Zealand a flying start to their innings
with a century partnership.

It was a timely return to form for Guptill with 63 off 38 balls after
struggling against the West Indies earlier in the series.

Rayad Emrit, selected to make his T20 debut two months short of his 37th
birthday, celebrated by breaking the New Zealand opening stand when he had
Guptill caught behind.

Munro lasted until the first ball of the last over when he drove a Carlos
Brathwaite full toss straight to Shimron Hetmyer at long on.

BSS/AFP/FI/1606hrs