BRIDGETOWN, Barbados—St. Maarten cricket star Keacy Carty stroked a memorable match-winning century to help West Indies beat England by eight wickets at the Kensington Oval in Barbados last night.
Carty registered his first one-day international century with delightful stroke play all around the ground. The young St. Maarten cricketer was left not out on 128 off 114 balls. He hit 15 fours and two sixes in a masterclass of an inning.
Carty strode to the crease at 42 for one in the seventh over at the fall of opening batsman Evin Lewis for 19 off 17 balls (2 fours, 1 six). He and King combined for 209 runs for the second wicket, laying the foundation for the massive win. The partnership is the second highest for West Indies at home.
West Indies overhauled the 269 for eight off 50 overs posted by England with seven overs to spare. Opening batsman Brandon King was also in top form with 102 off 117 balls with 13 fours and one six.
England’s total was built around a late surge in which they scored 99 off 57 balls. The main contributors were Phil Salt with 74, Dan Mousley with 57, Sam Curran with 40, and Jofra Archer with 38 off just 17 balls with three sixes and two fours.
The win ensured West Indies collected the series trophy for the 2-1 margin.
Carty disclosed that the century was motivated by a good friend whose birthday is today. He said the friend told him that all he wanted was for him to get a century, and he offered him a tattoo. Carty responded that if he reached 60, his friend should call the artist.
He dedicated the century to his dad, Keith Carty, who was his first coach. He took him away from football, his first love, to play cricket. “I do not play cricket for myself but for the people of St. Maarten. My mom doesn’t miss a game. I am sure she has sent me over 1000 messages already, as well as for my team back home (Motorworld Spartans), which is like a brotherhood. They are always happy for me. I’m sure a few of them cried, but they wouldn’t tell me because they say they are tough.”
Carty also explained that he will always be a player who is learning, so there are still a few things that he keeps learning about batting and the game.
Carty, known for his match-winning inning in the U19 World Cup, is truly a local gem. Carty has once again played a telling inning to put St. Maarten cricket on the map.
