Barbados Royals 223/2 (Cornwall 102, Powell 49*; Bosch 1/29, Drakes 1/34) beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 220/4 (Rutherford 65, Smeed 63,; Cornwall 2/27, Brathwaite 1/66) by eight wickets
BARBADOS Royals successfully chased 221 runs to complete a remarkable eight-wicket win over the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on Sunday at the the Kensington Oval.
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots won the toss and chose to bat first and they reaped the rewards as Andre Fletcher and Will Smeed put together the highest opening partnership of this year’s tournament so far, 115 runs, to galvanise their team. A rapid half-century from captain Sherfane Rutherford, from just 24 balls, would then propel the total to 220/4 after 20 overs.
Barbados Royals would produce a sensational chase in response, Rahkeem Cornwall leading the way with a 42-ball century to ensure they achieved a stunning eight-wicket victory in front of a home crowd.
It was a sublime batting performance from the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, with Fletcher and Smeed guiding their team to 70 runs in the PowerPlay. Their partnership would reach 115 before Rahkeem Cornwall would dismiss them both with his off-spin.
The Patriots continued to try to accelerate the score and in a tactical move, batter Jyd Goolie was retired out in the 17th over, having scored 22 off 16 balls. Captain Sherfane Rutherford would showcase his destructive abilities, scoring 65 runs in just 27 balls, his innings including five 6s, to allow the Patriots to reach a formidable 220/4 after 20 overs.
Barbados Royals would themselves have an effective PowerPlay; despite losing the wicket of Kyle Mayers, they scored 67 runs in the first six overs of their chase. Cornwall would launch his way to a 23-ball half-century, as the Royals continued to find the boundary after the fielding restrictions were lifted.
Cornwall would continue to unleash the big shots as he reached a century in just 45 balls, his first CPL century. Cornwall would retire hurt after reaching 102 runs, but Rovman Powell and Alick Athanaze would see the Royals home, ensuring they won by eight wickets, as they finished on 223/2.
The next leg of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will continue on Tuesday evening as the action reaches Trinidad & Tobago.
In the post-match interview, Cornwall said it was a good pitch and he dedicated his century to his two sons who have always supported him. He said he appreciated the cheering from the crowd,
He said, “I think once I got past the half stage, I think I could go big. I would say thanks for the support and thanks to my family.”
