sport news Carlos Brathwaite admits first international century was 'bittersweet'

'The hundred doesn't matter if you don't win': Carlos Brathwaite admits first international century was 'bittersweet' as West Indies lose World Cup thriller to New Zealand

By David Charlesworth, Press Association Sport

Published: 07:29 BST, 23 June 2019 | Updated: 07:29 BST, 23 June 2019

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Carlos Brathwaite admitted his maiden international hundred was a 'bittersweet' feeling after falling agonisingly short of leading the West Indies to an against-all-odds World Cup victory.

The Windies slumped to 164 for seven against New Zealand in pursuit of a target of 292 at Old Trafford, but that merely set the stage for Brathwaite, who bludgeoned nine fours and five sixes in a staggering 80-ball hundred.

However, with six needed for victory, Brathwaite swung mightily again, only to hole out to long-on, where Trent Boult held on to the catch and avoided stepping over the boundary as the Kiwis escaped with a five-run win.

Carlos Brathwaite is consoled by Ross Taylor after taking West Indies so close to victory

Carlos Brathwaite is consoled by Ross Taylor after taking West Indies so close to victory

Trent Boult holds on to the catch on the boundary rope to dismiss Brathwaite for 101

Trent Boult holds on to the catch on the boundary rope to dismiss Brathwaite for 101

Following his supreme 101, Brathwaite said: 'Everyone believed that we could get over the line.

'It's obviously bittersweet. I know it's probably cliche to say the hundred doesn't matter if you don't win.

'But for me personally, for my confidence, I guess as a result of all the hard work I've been putting in, it's finally good that it's come to fruition.

'I'll continue to work hard, obviously devastated not to get over the line, but also I give thanks for the performance and even getting the team into a position that we got into before I got out.

'It's heartbreaking to get so close and not get over the line, but

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