In a historic feat, Akeal Hosein etched his name in the annals of ICC T20 World Cup history, delivering a spellbinding performance against Uganda. The left-arm spinner registered the best figures for a West Indies bowler in the tournament, scalping an impressive 5/11 in four overs. Opening the bowling for the team, Hosein played a pivotal role in West Indies’ resounding victory by 134 runs in the Group C encounter at Providence Stadium, Guyana.
Johnson Charles and Andre Russell lead the charge
Choosing to bat first, West Indies showcased their batting prowess with a commanding display against Uganda. Brandon King and Johnson Charles laid a solid foundation, setting the stage for a formidable total. Charles anchored the innings with a well-compiled 44 runs, supported by valuable contributions from Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell and an explosive cameo from Andre Russell. Their collective effort propelled the West Indies to a formidable total of 173/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
Brain Masaba shines for Uganda
Uganda’s bowlers toiled hard to contain the flow of runs against a formidable West Indian lineup. Despite efforts from Brian Masaba (2/31) and early breakthroughs from Alpesh Ramjani and Dinesh Nakrani, Uganda struggled to maintain consistency. They faced an uphill battle against the onslaught from the West Indies’ batters and couldn’t prevent them from posting a daunting total.
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Akeal Hosein and Alzaari Joseph run riot
In pursuit of 174 runs, Uganda’s batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure imposed by West Indies’ bowling attack. Hosein and Alzarri Joseph ran riot with their fiery pace and accurate line, dismantling Uganda’s batting order. Apart from a defiant knock by Juma Miyagi (13), Uganda’s batters failed to offer any significant resistance, succumbing to West Indies’ relentless bowling assault. Hosein’s disciplined bowling yielded five wickets for just 11 runs, while Joseph wreaked havoc with his raw pace, claiming two wickets for a mere six runs. Romario Shepherd and Russell provided crucial breakthroughs, ensuring Uganda’s batting lineup never found their footing.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
A spinner in Samuel Badree was so good with the new ball for West Indies when they won the #T20WorldCup in 2016. Akeal Hosein has sure put in a roaring performance in a similar role this time around. #WIvUGA
— S Sudarshanan (@Sudarshanan7) June 9, 2024
Akeal Hosein!!!!!! That is all I hadda type🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
— David Koylass (@DavidKoylass) June 9, 2024
Fifer for Akeal Hosein. Imagine the toughest communities where guns run the show, kids are not safe & parents struggle to keep their children out of gangs. That is Laventille in Trinidad where this kid is from. Cricket was his great escape. This and more is why we love sports
— Karen Madden (@karendmadden) June 9, 2024
Akeal Hosein. That’s it. That’s the tweet. 👑
— Barbados Royals (@BarbadosRoyals) June 9, 2024
Akeal just casually picking up 5 wickets in a T20 World Cup Match. Take a bow sir. Well done.
— Mark Ramjohn (@MARamjohn) June 9, 2024
Magical magical spell Akeal Hosein they cannot pick any delivery he’s bowling
— . (@v3leedsinfidel) June 9, 2024
Akeal Hosein is on 🔥
4-11-5 😲#WIvUGA #t20USA #T20WC— Pawan Kumar 🇮🇳 (@Prince11R) June 9, 2024
Best figures in T20Is for Akeal Hosein 5/11 outstanding is the word. As what one teacher from Palmeras would tell me from time to time unstoppable that’s the word to describe that spell.#T20WorldCup2024 #WIvsUGA pic.twitter.com/cNlpCq5wae
— Tyrelle Audain 🇹🇹🏏 (@tjaudain) June 9, 2024
Akeal Hosein is the most underrated spinner & new ball bowler currently. 5 wkts for 11 👏
Very skillful & has beautiful craft 👌. Perfect all-rounder: finisher & an excellent fielder for West Indies.
Should be hyped more & be consistently part of IPL too.#AkealHosein #WIvsUGA
— Kanishk Johri (@KanishkJohri) June 9, 2024
Akeal Hosein, what a fantastic spell this has been. Well deserved fifer 👏
— Mayank (@ImMayankB) June 9, 2024
I love to see Nicholas Pooran’s joy celebrating Akeal Hosein’s triumphs with him! 😭 #WI Rallaaaayy-haay-ha-haaayy!
— Jabari Fraser (@JabariFraser) June 9, 2024
This man is on fire!🔥
The 2nd best bowling figures by a West Indian in T20Is!👏🏿👏🏿#WIREADY | #T20WorldCup | #WIvUGA pic.twitter.com/1wsSMbeQ5n
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 9, 2024