WATCH: Rahkeem Cornwall's bat drop celebration after completing blistering 45-ball century in CPL 2023 

A target of 221 looked improbable to chase down, but Rahkeem Cornwall switched to beast mode and led his side to an incredible victory in a high-scoring thriller with 11 balls to spare. Cornwall smashed a scorching 45-ball hundred and propelled Barbados Royals to an eight-wicket victory against St.Kitts and Nevis Patriots (SNP) in Match 18 of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023 at the Kensington Oval on Sunday, September 3.

Cornwall, the heaviest man to play cricket, has often been criticised for his poor fitness and even recently made headlines for a hilariously lazy run-out in the ongoing tournament. However, the West Indies power-hitter now managed to shut up all his critics with a scintillating match-winning knock.

Batting first, Nevis Patriots posted a highly competitive target of 220/4 on the board. Three of their top 4 batters - Andre Fletcher (56 off 37), Will Smeed (63 off 36) and Sherfane Rutherford (65 off 27) - smashed half-centuries. Apart from his batting prowess, Cornwall also showcased his all-round brilliance with two wickets, and that too of dangerous openers Fletcher and Smeed.

In response to Nevis Patriots' humongous total, Royals suffered an early setback as opener Kyle Mayers (22 off 13) got dismissed in the fourth over. However, at the other end, Cornwall came out all guns blazing as he amassed 102 (48), which included 12 sixes and four fours. It was the joint third fastest century in CPL history and he celebrated that in style with a famous 'bat drop' celebration. The right-hander hit a straight six to get to 99 before taking a single to reach the milestone in the 15th over.

Watch the video below: 

The Bat drop celebration by Cornwall after completing the hundred.



- The beast from West Indies....!!!!pic.twitter.com/Up3Sxdu8hk

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 4, 2023

I dedicate my hundred to my two sons: Cornwall 

Cornwall, however, could not finish the game for his team as he was retired hurt three balls after his century. Rovman Powell played a captain's knock (49 off 26) and took his side home in 18.1 overs to record the third-highest run-chase in CPL history.

Speaking after the match, Cornwall said: "The pitch was really good. (on celebration) Today is my son's birthday. I dedicate my hundred to my two sons; they back me from day one. I always back myself to give the team a good start," Cornwall said.

"The crowd keep me going, especially every time I hit a six, they cheering hard. I just had to give something to them to cheer about. I think once I got past the half stage, I think I could go big. I would say thanks for the support (to the fans) and thanks to my family," he added.