The Liberta Blackhawks and New Winthorpes Lions were announced joint champions of the inaugural Antigua and Barbuda T20 Premier League after rain forced the abandonment of the final in Liberta on Saturday afternoon.
Winning the toss and opting to bat, Blackhawks posted 138 for six — their third lowest score of the tournament. They were led by Leward Islands all-rounder, Rahkeem Cornwall who slammed five fours and three maximums on his way to 44 off just 22 deliveries before he was caught by Bartlette Henry off the bowling of veteran Chad Hampson.
Kofi James and Karima Gore, fresh off their stints with the Leeward Islands Thunder in the West Indies Breakout League, produced scores of 23 and 20, respectively. James had three fours and one six in his knock. Junior Henry contributed with 16 not out down the order.
Orandel Boston was the pick of the bowlers for the visiting team, claiming two wickets for 15 runs in four overs. There was one wicket each for veteran Anthony Martin (1/16), Ian Eusebe (1/22), Chad Hampson (1/25) and Ishmael Peters (1/30).
The New Winthorpes Lions were eight without loss when a heavy and consistent downpour ended the contest. Fast bowler, Javier Spencerhad bowled one over for seven runs while Gore was two balls into his first over when players had to scamper off the field.
Blackhawks were unbeaten going into Saturday’s final while Lions advanced via the eliminator match after Empire Nation failed to field a team for the contest.
The names of both teams will be inscribed on the trophy while they will each possess it for six months. The prize monies will also be split between the two winners.
Tyrone Williams Jr was the best batsman in the preliminary round of the tournament after amassing 199 runs at an average of 52.50 while Cornwall spun his way to the best bowler accolade with 11 wickets at an economy rate of 4.92. Joshua Thomas won the best fielder award with seven dismissals under his belt. They all received gift certificates compliments Automotive Art.
Leeward Islands all-rounder, Hayden Walsh Jr was adjudged MVP of the prelims and received a gift certificate from the Mount Joy Service Station.
