The West Indian all-rounder almost pulled off an unbelievable run-chase
West Indies took on New Zealand in Match 29 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at Old Trafford in Manchester, and the undefeated Kiwi side continued their winning run with a thrilling 5-run victory.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson scored a brilliant 148 off 154 balls to get them to 291 after being 7/2 in the first over. After a couple of quickfire half-centuries from Chris Gayle (87 off 84) and Shimron Hetmyer (54 off 45), the run-chase looked possible before West Indies lost 5 wickets for only 22 runs.
West Indies were reeling at 164/7 as they required 128 runs off 139 balls with Carlos Brathwaite as the only recognized batsman in their ranks. The young all-rounder took the matter in his hands and started smashing the bowlers all around the park.
Brathwaite hit 9 fours and 5 sixes in his innings of 101 off 82 balls, which was his maiden ODI hundred. They needed 6 runs to win off 7 balls and he backed his gut and went for the big shot. However, Kiwi pacer Trent Boult, who is a very good fielder, took the catch with his foot inches from the boundary rope.
This left Carlos absolutely devastated as he sat down on the pitch not believing how he did not get the ball away for a maximum. Kane Williamson, among other New Zealand players, was seen consoling Carlos.
The fans loved the gesture from Kane and expressed their emotions on Twitter.
Here are some of the tweets:
Most heartbreaking yet heartwarming picture on the Internet today #NZvWI #Brathwaite #KaneWilliamson
— Swathii (@curlssup) June 22, 2019
This....this is why I love this game. Look at the sportsmanship of the New Zealand team once the game is over. Feel sad for #Brathwaite. Excellent game. #NZvsWI
— PrasanthPridhivi (@p_pridhivi) June 22, 2019
Class acts all around ????????
— Cath (@tekiwikouple) June 22, 2019
Ah, the beautiful game!
— KhannaLabUA (@KhannaLabUA) June 22, 2019
One pic many emotions.. But #SpiritOfCricket is dominating..#WIvNZ #CWC19 #KaneWilliamson
— Vikas Kumar???????? (@vikas_musafir) June 22, 2019
While one fan called it the 'photo of the tournament'.
photo of the tournament
— kapil singh mewad ???????? (@kapilmewad) June 22, 2019