"He should be in the goat debates too" - Fans hail Trent Boult for sensational spell in NZ vs WI 2024 T20 World Cup clash

New Zealand left-arm pacer Trent Boult was at his best with the ball in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup clash against the West Indies in Trinidad. Renowned for his breakthroughs in the powerplay, the 34-year-old lived up to his billing, removing Johnson Charles off the final ball of the first over.

After an impressive first spell of 1/9 in two overs, Boult returned in the 13th over to remove the dangerous Andre Russell. He finished a sensational spell by cleaning up Alzarri Joseph in the penultimate delivery of the 18th over.

Boult has five wickets in two innings in the ongoing T20 World Cup at an average of 7.60 and an economy rate of 4.75.

Fans on X hailed the veteran pacer for another sensational spell with the following reactions:

Fans continued their high praise for Boult, with one saying:

"Boult is so goodd man he should be in the goat debates too."

"Trent Boult is such a smart and skilful bowler. What a shame Test cricket stopped us from seeing his full potential as a T20 player," a fan said.

"Boult is in good rhythm. Won't be good for other teams if nz qualifies," said a fan.

Boult's heroics help New Zealand restrict West Indies to 149

Trent Boult's brilliant spell helped New Zealand restrict a powerful West Indies side to 149/9 in 50 overs. Taking a cue from his incisive opening burst, the other Kiwi bowlers stepped up to reduce the co-hosts to 30/5 in the seventh over.

The situation worsened for the West Indies at 112/9 in the 18th over before a sparkling 39-ball 68*-run knock from Sherfane Rutherford took them to a respectable total of 149.

Apart from Boult, Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson picked up two wickets each in their four overs. New Zealand are in a must-win situation after their mammoth 84-run defeat to Afghanistan in their tournament opener.

They began their run chase by losing the out-of-form Devon Conway for an eight-ball 5 in the third over. Fellow opener Finn Allen produced a quick cameo before falling for 26 off 23.

As things stand, the Kiwis are 36/2 in six overs, requiring another 114 off 84 deliveries, with skipper Kane Williamson and young sensation Rachin Ravindra at the crease.