Keacy Carty raises his bat after scoring 100 in 2nd ODI v Ireland
BIRMINGHAM, England- Keacy Carty stormed into the history books of West Indies Cricket by becoming the joint, sixth highest scorer in history, with a breathtaking 170 against Ireland in the third and final one day international at Clontarf in Dublin.
Carty marvelled the crowd with his sparkling stroke play consisting of 15 sumptuous fours and 8 crisp sixes which reassured his admirers of his emerging power, to go along with his classy touch and finesse at the crease. This innings ensured the West Indies carved out a 197-run win via the Duckworth Lewis Method.
This knock followed a defiant and reassuring 102 in the previous contest, after the West Indies found themselves wobbling on 46 for 2, before posting an imposing 352 for 8 in the second game of the series, which was unfortunately abandoned to due to rain.
Prior to these recent outstanding performances, Carty showed his prowess in 2024 by leading the West Indies in scoring with 560 runs at a staggering average of 62.22 in 11 innings, only bettered by Sri Lankans: Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka.
Keacy playing a cover drive vs Ireland in the 3rd ODI
Carty insists that his transformation in form stems from his attention to detail and his diligence.
Head Coach Daren Sammy spoke glowingly about the batter’s emergence especially with his current role in the team.
As a fringe player in 2023, Carty watched from the sidelines as the West Indies missed out on qualification for the 50 over World Cup that year in India, and that it was that agonizing feeling which fuelled his commitment and temperament over the last 17 months.
Keacy Carty celebrates his 2nd 100 v Ireland in the 3rd ODI
At age 25, Carty created history when he was selected to tour the Netherlands, becoming the first cricketer born in the island of St Maarten to make a West Indies squad. He went on to make his debut days later, but his journey started at a tender age through the visionary eyes of his father.
The elegant right hander admitted that he was forced into the game but realized he could maximize his potential given that he could make a living from the game and recalls some of the sacrifices his father made.
Carty’s name was on the top of everyone’s lips in 2016 when he hit a patient and match defining half century to guide the West Indies to their first ever Under-19 title in Bangladesh. He then matriculated into the Leeward Islands team the same year, however, he took him another six years to be called up to the West Indies squad.
This called for patience and belief but there was never self doubt from the right-handed batter.
Keacy Carty has been fearless throughout his emerging journey, and now during his senior stint, continues to show the value of having a strong drive and desire to succeed.
This article was written by Jerome Foster, Content and Media Officer assigned to the West Indies Men’s Senior Team
