[WATCH] Alick Athanaze’s brilliant direct hit run out Devon Conway

In a match filled with drama, twists, and late nerves, Alick Athanaze produced one of the standout moments of brilliance as the West Indies faced New Zealand in the third T20I in Nelson. Although the visitors eventually fell short by nine runs, Athanaze’s direct hit to run out Devon Conway was a moment that briefly turned the tide in their favour.

The dismissal came at a crucial stage of the innings. Conway, who had looked in sublime touch with 56 off 34 balls, was anchoring New Zealand’s innings alongside Daryl Mitchell. The hosts had just crossed 90 and were eyeing a total well above 180 when Mitchell pushed a delivery from Shamar Springer towards deep midwicket and called for two. Conway, backing his partner’s call, turned for the second but underestimated Athanaze’s speed and accuracy in the field.

Alick Athanaze’s brilliant direct hit to run out Devon Conway steals the spotlight in Nelson

Sprinting swiftly to his left, Athanaze picked up the ball cleanly and unleashed a flat, bullet throw to the non-striker’s end. The direct hit caught Conway inches short of his ground, a stunning piece of fielding that sent the West Indies players into celebration. The run-out not only removed New Zealand’s in-form batter but also halted their momentum just when they were threatening to explode in the final overs.

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Athanaze, who had earlier contributed a solid 31 with the bat, showcased his all-round value in the side. The direct hit exemplified his sharp awareness and athleticism, two traits that have made him one of the most promising young cricketers in the Caribbean setup.

Although New Zealand eventually posted 177 for 9, Athanaze’s run-out proved a turning point, sparking a middle-order collapse that saw the hosts lose six wickets for just 35 runs. It was only due to Conway and Mitchell’s earlier efforts that New Zealand had a defendable total on the board.

In the end, despite a late West Indies resurgence led by Romario Shepherd and Shamar Springer, the visitors fell agonizingly short. Yet, Athanaze’s moment of brilliance in the field stood out, a reminder that one piece of fielding can change the flow of a T20 game in an instant.