Two-time champions Barbados Royals suffered a disappointing 54-run defeat against St Lucia Kings in their opening game of Caribbean Premier League 2023 (CPL) on Thursday, August 17. The Royals were bowled out on just 147 runs while chasing a 202-run target despite some impressive performances from Jason Holder and Nyeem Young.
However, the biggest highlight of the game was Rahkeem Cornwall's hilarious run out on the innings' very first delivery. The star batter is clearly not among the quickest cricketers in international cricket and failed to carry himself to the other end while attempting an easy single run.
The 30-year-old opener played Matthew Forde's delivery at a short fine and fielder Chris Sole stumbled while stopping the ball but quickly recovered and delivered a sharp throw at the non-striker's end. Cornwall was slow with an initial pace but didn't even try to speed up or showed any desire to reach the crease.
Sole's throw took off the bails and Cornwall had a long walk back to the pavilion. A video of his dismissal is taking rounds on social media with cricket fans mocking the player for showing no desire to reach the crease but few fans defended the player's struggles with fitness.
Meanwhile, St Lucia Kings registered a massive total of 201 for 6 while batting first in Gros Islet. The veteran Zimbabwe batting all-rounder Sean Williams scored 47 runs off 30 balls and captain Faf du Plessis scored 46 off 32 balls. The Royals all-rounder Jason Holder took four wickets and Qais Ahmad picked two but it was a day to forget for them.
After Cornwall's departure on the first ball, the Royals also lost Justin Greaves on the third delivery off Forde. The Royals managed to stretch the game into the death overs with youngster Nayeem Young smashing 48 runs off 39 but three wickets from Forde helped the Kings to a huge 54-run win.
