Here's what Trent Boult said about Carlos Brathwaite
What's the story
Windies came up with a splendid performance, only to fall five runs short to New Zealand, in the ICC World Cup 2019 on Saturday. Although New Zealand won the match, it was Windies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite who headlined the match, owing to his sensational knock of 82-ball 101. Following the game, Kiwi pacer Trent Boult had some great words for this performance.
The knock
Brathwaite sensational knock wins million hearts
Brathwaite started off calmly, scoring his half-century. With other batsmen not supporting him at the other end, he took charge from the 47th over, while he was on 67. It was in the 48th over, when he pummeled Matt Henry for 25 runs, including three sixes and a four. However, he fell short right after scoring his century in the next over.
Deserving credit
Brathwaite should not have hurried to finish off, feels Boult
Boult said that his final shot was a difficult one to judge as it was indeed going for six. However, the bigger boundaries helped him claim the catch. Boult also feels that Brathwaite should have waited for the final over to finish. "I thought Carlos was going to tap one and look to take five off the last over," Boult lamented.
Quote
A lot of credit is due to him: Boult
"I'm sure he will be hurting. But I think a lot of credit is due to him and for getting them in a pretty good position. What a game. Simple as that, really," Boult added.
Great game
Great game for the tournament: Boult
Boult also mentioned that their plan to put pressure on other batsmen did work. However, they never expected Brathwaite to play so freely, which was amazing to watch. "It was pretty exceptional...a great 100. But, to come that close and be on the right side of it is, of course, a very good feeling. Great game, great for the tournament," Boult further added.
Twitter Post
Brathwaite becomes a number third
Centuries batting at No.6 or lower in an ODI WC match while chasing:
— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) June 22, 2019
Kevin O’Brien v England, Bangalore, 2011
Jos Buttler v Pakistan, Nottingham, 2019
Carlos Brathwaite v New Zealand, Manchester, 2019*#WIvNZ
Author's take
Brathwaite still has a lot of work to do
While this phenomenal knock by Brathwaite is yet to sink in, the job remained incomplete. He needs to buckle up and shoulder more responsibility with the bat in the upcoming games to keep the qualification chances of Windies in check. However, there is no taking away from the fact that Braithwaite is indeed one of the best finishers for the side in white-ball cricket.