Matthew Boyle

Matt Boyle is a destructive top-order batter with quite a future ahead of him.

The promising kiwi currently bats a Canterbury top order stacked with New Zealand internationals, including the likes of Tom Latham, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Chad Bowes, Henry Nicholls, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Michael Rippon, and skipper, Cole McConchie.

In November 2022, Boyle made his Ford Trophy (List A) debut for Canterbury whilst still in his teens. He had, a few months earlier (March 2022) represented a New Zealand XI in two 50-over matches against the touring Netherlands side (hitting scores of 16, and 41). Since then, Boyle has become a key member of the strong Canterbury squad its envisaged he'll have a long and fruitful career in the red and black colours.

Boyle is a youngster who always seemed destined for the big stage. He comes from a strong cricketing family – his Father (Justin), and Uncle (David) played over 100 matches for Canterbury between them, whilst his Brother (Jack) represents Central Districts following 80 plus matches for Canterbury.

The hard-hitting batter, who also bowls very useful wrist spin, earned his Canterbury selection courtesy of his exploits through the age groups. He broke all sorts of records for his school – St. Bede’s College, including the most centuries (11), and highest score (215 in a 50-over match).

In 2020/21 he made his Canterbury A debut towards the backend of the season, hitting 99 against Otago A. In 2021/22, he was named Player of the Tournament at the National Under-19 Competition, topping the run charts with 376 runs at 61 with 2 centuries. To evidence his all round ability, he was also the second leading wicket-taker bagging 10 wickets at 21.

Therefore, it came as no surprise to see Boyle picked for both the New Zealand Development and XI sides, before earning a full Canterbury contract for the 2022/23 season. He showed immense promise throughout his maiden contracted season, hitting figures of 220 runs at 27.50 (FC), 97 runs at 24.25 (List A), and 15 in his only T20 outing.

Roll on the most recent 2024/25 season and Boyle enjoyed a breakthrough summer. He topped the Super Smash (T20) run charts by belting 377 runs at 37.70 with a strike rate of 156.43. His exploits helped his Canterbury men to the final, unfortunately losing to the Stags by 6 wickets. However, Canterbury went one better to win the Ford Trophy with Boyle again playing a key role, finishing just shy of Cole McConchie as his sides leading run scorer with 328 runs at 36.44 striking at 99.09.

Proving he's more than just a white ball prospect, Boyle also rattled up 374 runs at 31.16 with his maiden first-class century (116) in the Plunket Shield, again marginally behind skipper McConchie and Blackcaps batter Henry Nicholls. Courtesy of his success, Boyle has been selected to tour Bangladesh with the New Zealand A side in May (1-25 May).

Boyle is a serious prospect and in a view towards his development played in England last summer. Playing for Three Bridges, he excelled in the Sussex Premier League, in a campaign where the Crawley-based club fell agonisingly short of winning the top flight. In all cricket for the club, Boyle racked up 1,123 runs at 48.83 and took 26 wickets at 22.15 for good measure.

The Canterbury batting all-rounder had signed with Surrey Premiership holders East Molesey for this summer before his recent NZ A selection jeopardised the opportunity. Therefore, the young kiwi star is seeking a chance to return to the UK after his 'A' tour and it's envisaged he'll be available from Saturday 31st May onwards. A serious signing!