In the 18th encounter of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023, held on Monday (September 4) between Barbados Royals and St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, West Indies’ all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall, representing the Royals, delivered an exceptional batting performance, hammering a scorching century in just 45 balls. This remarkable feat occurred at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.
Chasing a challenging target of 221, Cornwall, who opened the innings for the Royals, joined forces with his teammates in a remarkable chase. Contributions from Kyle Mayers (22), Laurie Evans (24), and Rovman Powell (49 not out) played pivotal roles in the pursuit of victory.
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Cornwall unleashes a storm and marks it with an epic celebration
Cornwall’s innings was a truly remarkable spectacle, leaving spectators in awe as he unleashed an impressive display, comprising 4 fours and an astounding 12 sixes during his unbeaten innings. The 30-year-old batting sensation reached the century mark with a single expertly placed down to the long-on boundary, following a magnificent six launched straight over the Benny Howell‘s head in the preceding delivery of the 15th over. Cornwall marked this incredible achievement with a composed celebration, calmly dropping his bat and exuberantly pumping his fist.
Here’s the video:
Cornwall carnage at the Kensington Oval as he brings up his first T20 💯 👏👏👏👏👏#CPL23 #BRvSKNP #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport pic.twitter.com/sk1TGtokkU
— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 4, 2023
Cornwall’s scintillating century ranks as the joint third-fastest in tournament history, trailing only behind Andre Russell’s 40 and 44-ball centuries. However, Cornwall had to retire hurt in the very next over after reaching his century, receiving assistance from the physio in the 16th over. Subsequently, Alick Athanaze (13) and Powell took charge and completed the task with finesse.
Captain Powell provided the finishing touches to the run chase with his unbeaten 49 off 26 deliveries. The Royals clinched a convincing eight-wicket victory with eleven balls to spare.
In the earlier phase of the match, the Patriots posted an impressive total of 220/4, largely thanks to the standout performances of Sherfane Rutherford (65) and Andre Fletcher (56). Cornwall also made a significant impact with the ball, grabbing two wickets for 27 runs, including the vital dismissal of Fletcher.
