New Zealand were on the verge of completing their most successful year in Test cricket when they went to tea requiring 29 further runs to beat Sri Lanka on Monday.
Set a target of 105 to win the first Test in Christchurch, New Zealand were 76-2 with Kane Williamson on 24 and Ross Taylor on 15.
Victory will give New Zealand five Test wins in 2014 following victories over the West Indies, twice, India and Pakistan.
Sri Lanka, who were forced to follow on 303 runs in arrears of New Zealand's first innings 441, were all out in their second innings for 407 on Monday.
After resuming at 293-5 they added a further 114 with the score bolstered by a last-wicket partnership of 59 between Shaminda Eranga (45 not out) and Suranga Lakmal (16).
Tim Southee finished with four for 91 and Boult, who removed the top order on Sunday, returned figures of four for 100.
New Zealand's run chase reached 23 before Tom Latham was caught by Angelo Mathews off Tharindu Kaushal for 17.
Fellow opener Hamish Rutherford made 10 before he was caught in the gully by Niroshan Dickwella off Eranga.
Source: AFP