With the West Indies going seven down at 164 while chasing 292 against New Zealand on Saturday, the Kiwis would have thought they have put the game well and truly on bed. Little did they know that a certain Carlos Brathwaite was about to give their ‘fiery’ bowling contingent a reality check.
After being eight down at 211, it was time for the all-rounder, who was the hero of the World T20 final in 2016 in India, to take the mantle in his very hands. Adding 41 runs with the No. 11, Oshane Thomas, Brathwaite was hitting every delivery the Kiwis bowlers had in store.
Carlos Brathwaite’s maiden international century went in vain, but it made for a thoroughly entertaining #CWC19 contest!
His knock in a look ⬇️
Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup), June 22, 2019
The 30-year-old eventually turned the game on its head when he smashed Matt Henry for 25 runs in the 48th over to bring the game to a point where they needed mere eight runs in two overs. James Neesham came into the attack and with just six more runs to win, the all-rounder gave away his wicket at the boundary, bringing an end to a memorable innings. A nerve-wracking game came to a sad end for West Indies, but Brathwaite became a subject of well-deserved applause from all around the globe.
Here’s how the world reacted to his almost match-winning 82-ball 101;
Carlos braithwate.. every World Cup needs u to keep the tournament alive .. what an innings .. well done newzealand @windiescricket
Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99), June 22, 2019
Carlos Brathwaite! What a 100, so near yet so far but an innings to remember for a long long time . World Cup is truly alive now #WIvNZ
Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag), June 22, 2019
At the start of that last over @Bazmccullum suggested bringing deep cover up and dropping mid on back to long on for Brathwaite.. he still has a great feel for the game !
Nasser Hussain (@nassercricket), June 22, 2019
Bishop and Brathwaite. Almost. Almost again.. @irbishi
Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha), June 22, 2019
What a thriller – Brathwaite almost pulling it off..heartbreak for WI(& Pak) #NZvWI
zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial), June 22, 2019
Stand up & Salute, Carlos Brathwaite.
Johns (@CricCrazyJohns), June 22, 2019
Did You Know: 41 runs stand between Carlos Brathwaite and Oshane Thomas last night is the highest partnership in Cricket World Cup history with zero contribution from one batsman. Previous highest was 26 between Ben Stokes and Mark Wood which happened only a day before. #CWC19
Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad), June 23, 2019
What a stunning innings from Carlos Brathwaite. Nearly pulled off what looked an impossible chase. #WIvNZ
VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281), June 22, 2019
Man! I loved Ian Bishop’s commentary when Carlos Brathwaite was batting. His voice takes the thrill to a different level. #WIvNZ
Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad), June 22, 2019
Carlos Brathwaite no matter what is the result but you are absolutely amazing true Champion .
Behram Khan Sanzer (@behram_sanzer), June 22, 2019
What a match
What a player
Full entertainer
I am so lucky to watched this match
Thank you Carlos Brathwaite
What a game!
Congratulations New Zealand #WIvNZ#CWC19
Utterly astonishing. That is one of the all-time great World Cup matches and one of the all-time great World Cup innings from Carlos Brathwaite. #CWC19
Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket), June 22, 2019
Well batted Carlos Brathwaite a sensational century that took the West Indies to the brink #BACKTHEBLACKCAPS #WIvNZ #CWC19
BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS), June 22, 2019
Carlos brathwaite didn’t deserve this. Don’t cry my brother, you still fought and did your best. You’re still a legend. Respect for New Zealand players for consoling him in the end. This is the reason i love cricket. #NZvWI
Sir Saith Abdullah (@SaithAbdullah99), June 22, 2019
Cricket, you little beast. One moment soaring, other moment, down and out. Carlos Brathwaite that was one of the best knocks seen in a long time. Yes, we use those carelessly these days – we’ll remember the name. Thank you #NZvWI #CWC19 #SpiritOfCricket ❤️
Nikhil (@CricCrazyNIKS), June 22, 2019
Phew.. so many gripping climaxes suddenly.. emphasising that sport remains best consumed live. No number of retrospective online clips could possibly convey the proper drama, and this time the agony, of the Brathwaite story.
AlisonMitchell (@AlisonMitchell), June 22, 2019
Wow! Remember the name! Not quite crossing the line but an unbelievable innings from Carlos Brathwaite #WIvNZ
Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif), June 22, 2019
On some nights they clear the fence. On some nights they get caught on the boundary. Cricket is a great leveller. Thanks for the entertainment, Carlos Brathwaite! #CWC19 #WIvNZ
Ajesh Ramachandran (@Edged_and_taken), June 22, 2019
Feature image courtesy: Twitter / Cricket World Cup