New Zealand's Colin Munro becomes first player to score three T20 international hundreds
Munro scores record third T20I ton as New Zealand hammer Windies by 119 runs in Mount Maunganui to win series 2-0
Wednesday 3 January 2018 11:03, UK
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 to seal a 2-0 series win.
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 243-5, their highest Twenty20 total.
Windies' reply began disastrously with openers Chadwick Walton and Chris Gayle out without scoring in Tim Southee's opening over - the tourists' innings folded at 124-9 in 16.3 overs with Shai Hope unable to bat after being injured while fielding.
It ended a disappointing tour for the Windies with New Zealand winning both Tests, the three one-day internationals and two Twenty20s, with one match washed out.
Andre Fletcher did his best to rebuild the innings with Windies two down for one run after five balls, with his 46 from 32 balls ensuring the visitors initially kept up with the rate.
But when he was bowled by Ish Sodhi, the momentum fizzled - from 80-4 after eight overs, the last five Windies 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 - smacking 10 sixes and three fours.
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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 (63 off 38 balls) gave New Zealand a flying start to their innings with a century partnership.
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.
New Zealand will now host Pakistan for five ODIs and three Twenty20 internationals - watch the first ODI, in Wellington, live from 9.55pm on Friday on Sky Sports Cricket (channel 404).
