Brathwaite “devastated” by Windies defeat

MANCHESTER, England, CMC – All-rounder Carlos Brathwaite said yesterday he was “devastated” by West Indies’ heart-breaking loss to New Zealand, despite scoring his maiden international hundred.

The 30-year-old struck 101 off 82 balls with nine fours and five sixes – three of which came in the 48th over from Matt Henry – as West Indies came up five runs short in pursuit of 292 for victory in a critical World Cup contest at Old Trafford.

With West Indies needing six runs from seven balls for the win, Brathwaite tried to clear long on with seamer Jimmy Neesham and holed out to Trent Boult.

“I’m devastated not to get over the line, but also giving thanks for the performance, even getting the team into the position we got into before I got out,” Brathwaite said afterwards.

“I thought it had enough bat on the final shot. I was willing it to go up and up and up. One of the best fielders in the world was out there. It’s a game of margins. One or two yards more and we would have been victorious.”

West Indies were slumping at 164 for seven in the 27th over before Brathwaite came to the rescue, adding 47 for the eighth wicket with Kemar Roach (14), 34 for the ninth wicket with Sheldon Cottrell (15) and 41 for the final wicket with Oshane Thomas who failed to score.

At one point, the Caribbean side required 33 from 18 balls but Brathwaite single-handedly smashed 25 off the 48th over to put the equation in their favour.

“We came close. Give credit to the lower order, everyone that came in,” Brathwaite said.

“Everyone believed we could get over the line. Obviously it was heart-breaking to get so close but not get over the line. There were some positives though, the fight that the lower order showed was commendable.

“It was bittersweet. For me personally, for my confidence, as a result of all the hard work I’ve been putting in, it’s finally good that it comes to fruition.”

He added: “I just knew how much everyone in the dressing room wanted it. We always talk about belief. For me to be the person out there to try to bring it home, that was the only thing on my mind, finding a way to get it done.

“Myself and the lower order, we talked about it. Everything that we talked about happened, except getting over the line.”

After he was dismissed, Brathwaite sank to his knees crestfallen, only to be quickly consoled by the New Zealand fielders – all of whom congratulated him on his magnificent performance.

“The New Zealanders are some of the best people in the world … I’m good friends with a few of them. That was good sportsmanship on their behalf. I appreciated the mutual respect,” Brathwaite noted.

“I’m not going to beat myself up because the ball should have gone for six and we should have won.”

Captain Kane Williamson had earlier stroked a Man-of-the-Match 148 as New Zealand battled their way to 291 for eight off their 50 overs after being sent in.