Barbados Royals all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall hit a magnificent 45-ball century against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the 18th match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023. His efforts helped Barbados register an eight-wicket win at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown.
After opting to bat first, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots notched up a mammoth total of 220/4 in 20 overs. Andre Fletcher (56), Will Smeed (63), and Sherfane Rutherford (65) starred in the batting department with blazing half-centuries. Cornwall scalped two wickets for the Royals with his off-spin bowling.
Chasing 221, Kyle Mayers (22) and Cornwall gave Barbados a brisk start with their 41-run opening partnership in four overs. Mayers departed without converting his start at the end of the fourth over.
Cornwall then shouldered the responsibility and launched a stunning assault on the bowlers to propel his side towards the target. He smashed 12 sixes and four fours en route to 102 (48) before returning to the pavilion retired hurt.
Rovman Powell (49*) and Alick Athanaze (13*) finished the chase as Barbados Royals reached 223/2 in just 18.1 overs to win the match.
Fans were impressed by Cornwall’s wonderful knock in the winning cause. Also Cornwall dedicated this knock to his son who is celebret birthday yesterday. He said,
“Today is my Son’s birthday, I dedicate this knock to him.My two sons always back me. Pitch was really good and I backed myself. My first hundred. I back myself to get my team to a good start. They (crowd) keep me going, so I want to give them something to cheer about. I haven’t gone past the powerplay, once I go past that I could go big. Thanks to my family for supporting me.”