Trent Boult said he didn't feel like it was one of those days when the ball "comes out of the hand well" but that didn't stop him from wrecking West Indies with a career-best 7 for 34 to set up a 204-run win in Christchurch and clinch the series.
Boult narrowly missed out on the best ODI figures by a New Zealand bowler but reached the landmark of 100 wickets - the fifth-fastest to the mark. "It wasn't one of those days," he said after delivering one of his most destructive spells. "There are some days when you feel like you can turn the batsman in half, swing the ball around and kind of beat them. "It felt a bit slow but I somehow got the damage done, I guess. The wicket was two-paced and a bit slower as well.
"It was nice to get the new ball swinging. If I had to pin it down to something, I know that when I am swinging the ball, I wouldn't say I am a different bowler, but I almost grow another limb in a way, so it was nice to knock over a few."
The accuracy and control he showed on Saturday drew comparisons with his performance in the 2015 World Cup. At that event, he finished as the joint highest wicket-taker, alongside Australia's Mitchell Starc, and was one of the driving forces behind New Zealand's run to the final.
"I was getting in the click, swinging the ball well," Boult said. "The World Cup is still one of my fondest memories where I was bowing quick and keeping quick in a way but very happy with where it is at the moment."
Boult reduced West Indies to 52 for 4 and their hopes of a fightback were effectively put to rest when fast bowler Lockie Ferguson picked up a further three wickets in two overs.
"We've heard that he's done well in domestic cricket but to see him come and train and perform like he has at the moment is impressive. He's a really hurrying guy so you can see why he's been doing well," Boult said.
"Everyone loves playing in these conditions, in conditions we know well and the home summers are exciting. With guys moving in and out of the squad and a few bowlers being moved around it's great to see so much competition for spots and guys coming in and filling holes."
Boult has been rested for the first two T20Is, which start from December 29. The third ODI will be played on Boxing Day at Hagley Oval.