Following a comprehensive 134-run victory over Uganda, West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein emphasized that his team is not underestimating any opponent in the T20 World Cup. Despite a narrow win against Papua New Guinea (PNG) in their tournament opener, the co-hosts currently sit in second place on the points table with two wins from two games. However, the West Indies are yet to face their toughest group opponents: New Zealand and Afghanistan.
Hosein’s Perspective on Team Strategy
“We are not taking anyone lightly,” Hosein assert after the win over Uganda. “Our aim is two points, no matter who we come up against. Yes, we will go back and plan. We are aware that this resistance might not be the strongest group.. But going forward, forthere may be a stronger unit than this opposition. every opposition we come up against, the aim is to get two points. Furthermore, we don’t take anyone for granted.”
But Hosein’s performance against Uganda was stellar, with a match-winning spell of 5 for 11, his best figures in T20 internationals. Uganda’s innings collapsed to 39 runs in their chase. Hosein exuded confidence in his ability to challenge batters consistently if he finds the right lengths.
Consistent performance and adaptability
Reflecting on his performance, Hosein said, “To be honest, I’m quite happy with the performance. As we’ve been seeing so far in the tournament, no one is to be taken lightly. Yes, it’s not the strongest outfit, but today I judged my spell mainly on the lengths that I bowl, and I know once I execute those lengths, it’ll be tough for most batsmen to play.”
He continued, “Going into the tournament, for me, is about putting my team in a winning position. Whether it be with the bat, ball, or in the field, my aim is to help my team cross the line and gain two points. The pitch wasn’t the easiest, as we’ve seen in previous games here. It’s about reading the conditions and adapting quickly. But If you go searching, you might miss your length. No matter the opposition, you have to put in the hard work and execute your game plan.”
Collaborating with Sunil Narine
Hosein has been honing his skills with the help of fellow spinner Sunil Narine, particularly focusing on improving his arm ball. Before the World Cup, I spent a lot of time working both here and in the camp. Sunil Narine is a close friend, and working with him has been beneficial. With the game evolving, batters are doing their homework, so you have to stay a step ahead. It’s constant work for me,” Hosein explained.
West Indies Upcoming Clash Against New Zealand
The West Indies are set to face New Zealand in Trinidad on June 12. The Kane Williamson-led side, coming off a tough loss to Afghanistan, will be under pressure to secure a win to stay in the tournament. Hosein expressed confidence in his team’s ability to challenge New Zealand.
“Going into the third game, we are definitely a force to be reckoned with. We’ve been playing good cricket over the last 12 months and have improved in areas where we weren’t the best. We feel no pressure; we know that if we stick together, we can come out on the winning side,” he said.
He added, “Having experienced players like Andre Russell and head coach Darren Sammy, who have been there and done that, is an extra boost for us. Their experience is invaluable in these tournaments and gives us an edge.”
Results West Indies
The West Indies are not taking any chances as they advance in the T20 World Cup. With a focus on each game and a determination to secure every possible point, they aim to maintain their strong performance and secure a top spot in their group. v
