The packed Old Trafford stadium in Manchester on Saturday witnessed nothing less of a fairy-tale moment after an unbelievable bombastic century from Carlos Brathwaite just failed to carry West Indies to a historic World Cup victory over New Zealand by five runs.
In a brutal-array of last-minute cricketing, Brathwaite left the Black Caps dry-throated after crushing nine fours and five sixes as he came in to bat at 142 for 4 and scored 101 of the remaining 144 runs.
The demolition job was completed with a stunning 25-run attack on Matt Henry in the 48th over, the balance of the game now miraculously tilted in his favour with just eight runs required off the last two overs.
The feeling of awe was on both sides. This was, after all, the same batsman who had won the T20 World Cup in 2016 with four successive sixes off England all-rounder Ben Stokes in the last over of the match.
However, as things turned out he was caught by Trent Boult at deep mid-on going for glory with seven balls remaining.
You just have to see it to believe it!!! 🤯
An all or nothing catch in the deep by Trent Boult is the difference between winning and losing a @cricketworldcup classic.
What an incredible game of cricket! ❤#BACKTHEBLACKCAPS | #MenInMaroon #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/bRSz3429tf
— ICC (@ICC) June 22, 2019
After the knock, a shattered Brathwaite sat crouched on the field and bowed his head in deep sorrow. The moment was overwhelming and the pain truly unbearable.
The New Zealanders, who rose to celebrate the most important wicket of the match on seeing the devastated sight of Brathwaite, quickly broke out from their celebratory huddle and came to his aid.
The Kiwi players – led by Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson and Jimmy Neesham – came to console him with genuine warmth.
The agony 💔
The ecstasy ❤What a game!#BACKTHEBLACKCAPS#MenInMaroon#CWC19 pic.twitter.com/UNdbeCYZMF
— ICC (@ICC) June 22, 2019
The former New Zealand skipper Ross Taylor, meanwhile, was full of praise for Braithwaite and revealed what he told the Windies star after the game was over.
“He batted outstandingly well and took his team out of a very tough situation and you’ve got to feel for him,” said Taylor.
“We were elated.. but at the end of the day you’re human as well and you’ve got to feel sorry for them.
“He did a fantastic job and we all just said to him at the end, “Congratulations on a great knock, keep your head held high because you did your country proud,” he added.
