Cricket Star Hits Century on Final Ball with Stunning Six

Sometimes the best comeback stories happen just days after disappointment strikes.

Northern Brave opener Katene Clarke knew exactly what almost reaching a century felt like. Ten days before Sunday's match against the Volts, he was run out on 97 runs, agonizingly close to the magical 100-run milestone that every cricket batter dreams about.

But Clarke wasn't about to let history repeat itself. Playing at the University Oval in Dunedin, the 26-year-old put together a batting performance that had fans on their feet.

With just one ball remaining in the innings and Clarke sitting on 94 runs, the pressure was on. One more boundary would secure his century, but falling short would mean another frustrating near-miss.

Clarke stepped up to face bowler Danru Ferns and launched the final delivery over the boundary for a six. The ball sailing over the fence meant Clarke finished with exactly 100 runs, leading his team to an impressive total of 231-3.

His 54-ball century included seven massive sixes and six fours, showcasing the kind of aggressive batting that makes Twenty20 cricket so exciting to watch. The performance marked Clarke's second Twenty20 century, proving the first was no fluke.

Why This Inspires

Clarke's journey from 97 to 100 in just 10 days captures what makes sports so compelling. He could have played it safe, dwelling on the disappointment of being run out three runs short of glory.

Instead, he came back swinging harder. When faced with another high-pressure moment, he chose the most dramatic possible finish, clearing the boundary on the very last ball rather than playing for a safer single or double.

That kind of courage under pressure reminds us that setbacks don't define us. How we respond to them does, and Clarke responded by creating a moment fans will remember for years.

His celebration said it all: pure joy mixed with relief, the satisfaction of turning disappointment into triumph through persistence and belief.