The best innings of the world cup

Carlos Brathwaite vs New Zealand: In a thrilling game against New Zealand, with Windies’ World Cup hopes hanging in the balance, Carlos Brathwaite played the innings of his life and possibly of this World Cup. He brought West Indies back from the jaws of defeat with lower-order batsmen for company and single-handedly almost took Windies to victory, smashing an 82-ball 101. He then became the tragic hero of this World Cup, falling with his team just one hit away.

Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das vs West Indies: Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das played possibly their best ODI knocks as Bangladesh chased down the Windies’s 321 -- the second-highest successful run chase in World Cup history -- with seven wickets in hand. Shakib was mesmerising against the short deliveries while Liton played the perfect second fiddle. Once the senior reached his ton, Liton turned aggressor to show his own range of shots as Bangladesh assailed the target.

Babar Azam vs New Zealand: Pakistan’s World Cup had been topsy-turvy and it showed no signs of improving as they were staring at the bottom of the barrel before the game against New Zealand, who were hot favourites. The Pakistan bowlers restricted the Kiwis to 237 in favourable circumstances for bowlers. But Babar played with complete authority during his magnificent unbeaten ton, facing upto the likes of Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult, who were firing on all cylinders, with ease.

Kane Williamson vs South Africa: The Kiwis were in a spot of bother not only due to the match scenario but also in terms of keeping their push for a top four finish. Tottering at 80 for four in chase of South Africa’s 245, Williamson started taking the game away from the Proteas. Wickets fell around him but captain calm kept to his style, dabbing the ball to third man at every opportunity before hitting a six to complete his ton and in the same over take Kiwis to victory.