Top 5 ODI innings of 2019

2. Carlos Brathwaite (101 off 82 vs New Zealand, Manchester)

Carlos Brathwaite fell just short of sealing a miraculous win against New Zealand

Remember the name!

Most people did remember him for his exploits in the 2016 World T20 Final in Kolkata, but Carlos Brathwaite hadn’t done anything of note since then. As it to remind everyone of what he was capable, the tall all-rounder produced another stunning display of great hitting this year.

In the World Cup match against New Zealand, the West Indies team got off to a great start in their pursuit of a target of 292; they were 142/2 in just 22 overs. However, the old West Indian problem of not playing sensibly re-emerged, and led to the side getting reduced to 164/7.

But Brathwaite decided to not give up. Without going overboard, he kept his team in the hunt with some of those blistering strokes he is known for. As the match came down to the last few overs, the New Zealand fielders started fretting as the boundaries from Brathwaite kept narrowing the gulf between the two teams’ scores.

Soon Brathwaite reached his hundred, and his team was one big hit away from securing the most incredible win. Ian Bishop, the same guy who had pronounced those memorable words in 2016, was on air and was speaking with great fervor, anticipating another miracle.

On the last ball of the penultimate over, Brathwaite went for another big hit, looking to finish the match. Everyone held their breath.

Unfortunately for him, the ball ended up in the hands of Trent Boult just inside the ropes. As Ian Bishop said: “The dream is over, you are in Manchester.”

It was a heartbreak of epic proportions, but also an innings that will be hard to forget.