New Zealand thumped a spirited West Indies side by 143 runs in their World Cup quarterfinal tie at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington, thanks to a record-breaking 237-run knock by opener Martin Guptill and Trent Boult's destructive bowling spell.
Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a mammoth 393 run total for the loss of six wickets, thanks to Guptill's unbeaten 237-run knock, which was also the highest score posted by an individual in a World Cup.
Guptill was on fire from the start of the game as he hit an unbeaten 237 off 163 deliveries, knocking 24 fours and 11 sixes on his way. He explored the weaknesses of West Indies' bowling line up to guide New Zealand to the monstrous total.
Skipper Brendon McCullum failed to put up a flare as he was dismissed for a paltry 12 runs off Jerome Taylor's express delivery in the fourth over. New Zealand were struggling at 89-2 in the 15th over -having lost Kane Williamson on his individual 33- before Guptill launched his blitzkrieg to take them to 232-3, when Ross Taylor left at his individual 42.
Corey Anderson (15), Grant Elliott (27) and Luke Ronchi (9) also contributed with their small knocks as Guptill and Daniel Vettori guided New Zealand 393-6 in their allotted 50 overs with their unbeaten knocks of 237 and eight runs respectively.
Jerome Taylor claimed three wickets in his seven overs in which he conceded 71 runs, while Andre Russell scalped 2 wickets in his 10-over spell conceding 96 runs. Much of the West Indies bowling line up was exploited due to Guptill's antics with the bat.
The West Indians put up a brave fight against New Zealand as Chris Gayle knocked a quick fire 61 runs off just 33 deliveries with two fours and eight sixes. However, Johnson Charles was dismissed at his individual three runs and Lendl Simmons on 12, that triggered a collapse for their batting line up.
Marlon Samuels contributed 27 runs with the bat before he fell prey to Boult's express delivery, while wicketkeeper batsman Dinesh Ramdin was trapped LBW by the paceman for a duck.
The only other substantial knocks came from Jason Holder (42) and Jonathan Carter (32) as the West Indies were bundled out for 250 runs in just 30.3 overs, thanks to Boult's four wicket scalp and Vettori and Tim Southee's contribution with their two wicket scalps each.
Adam Milne and Corey Anderson also grabbed a wicket each to help New Zealand on their way to victory.
However, West Indies' 250-run chase was the highest total ever mounted in 30 overs in a World Cup match.
Guptill was named the Man of the Match for his record breaking innings.
New Zealand will now face South Africa in the World Cup semifinals on March 24 at Eden Park in Auckland, while Australia will go up against India on March 26 in Sydney.
