Carlos Brathwaite almost engineered another unlikely triumph for the West Indies but fell agonisingly short against New Zealand, who moved to the top of the World Cup standings after a thrilling five-run win.

Brathwaite came to the crease amid a cluster of wickets falling as the Windies lurched to 164 for seven in pursuit of 292. But under the Old Trafford floodlights, Brathwaite bludgeoned nine fours and five sixes in a scarcely-believable 80-ball hundred, only to hole out to Trent Boult in the deep as the Windies were all out for 286.

After the match, Windies captain Jason Holder said the defeat, although agonising, gave his team belief.

“We fought right down to the very end. We came right back into the game when pretty much everyone thought the game was over. And credit to the lower half. The guys really put it in their hands today and took responsibility. Top knock by Carlos (Brathwaite). He was outstanding.”