Table of Contents
West Indies all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall has garnered significant attention from cricket enthusiasts following his international debut against India in 2019. Despite being one of the heaviest cricketers globally, the 30-year-old is celebrated for his explosive batting and valuable spin skills. However, his physique has presented challenges to his agility and speed on the field. This was evident once again on Friday (August 18), during the second match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023 between Barbados Royals (BBR) and Saint Lucia Kings (SLK).
Batting first, SLK achieved a substantial 201/6 in their allocated 20 overs. Openers Johnson Charles and Faf du Plessis provided a solid foundation by contributing 61 runs for the first wicket. Substantial contributions from Charles (30), Du Plessis (47) and Sean Williams (47) propelled the Kings to a competitive score above 200 mark.
Bizarre run-out of Rahkeem Cornwall
Chasing a target of 202 runs, BBR required a strong opening partnership. Rahkeem Cornwall and Kyle Mayers were tasked with opening the innings, both recognized for their powerful batting skills. Nevertheless, the Royals’ innings commenced disastrously as Cornwall was dismissed on the very first ball of the chase in an unconventional manner.
Cornwall flicked the ball he faced off Matthew Forde towards short leg, where Chris Sole was positioned. Sole initially failed to secure the ball, prompting the batters to attempt a quick single. While Mayers was eager for a run, Cornwall’s lack of urgency to complete the run was evident as he didn’t accelerate. In the interim, Sole collected the ball and swiftly dislodged the bails from short leg, catching the Antigua-born cricketer well short of the crease in a humorous run-out. Even the commentators couldn’t help but chuckle at the unusual dismissal.
Here’s the video:
Tonight's @BetBarteronline magic moment is the run out of Rahkeem Cornwall that set the Saint Lucia Kings off on a fantastic PowerPlay! #CPL23 #SLKvBR #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #BetBarter pic.twitter.com/HgDtLWTjmK
— CPL T20 (@CPL) August 18, 2023
The Royals were eventually bowled out for 147 runs in 20 overs. After struggling at 46 for 5 during the powerplay and later slipping to 89 for 8, a resilient 48-run knock from Nyeem Young helped them achieve a respectable total. Eventually, SLK inflicted a heavy 54-run defeat on the Royals. Cornwall, who has produced some marvelous spells for West Indies in Test cricket, didn’t bowl in the game and his contribution with the bat was also blank.
Also READ: Ravi Shastri picks Team India’s opening pair for the Asia Cup 2023