West Indies’ star of the day Akeal Hosein said he ‘needed’ the spell against Uganda as the hosts secured a comprehensive win in Guyana on June 8, Saturday. West Indies thrashed Uganda by 134 runs on the back of Hosein’s 5-wicket haul, his first in T20Is.
Hosein ended up registering the best figures by a West Indian in T20 World Cups when he ended with 5 for 11 on Saturday.
Speaking after the win, Hosein said that he was doing well with the ball in matches and in the nets, but the rewards weren’t coming in.
Hosein picked up most of his wickets with the arm ball, but his favorite scalp of the day was the regular finger spin one.
“I think I needed this. In the nets and in the previous series, I felt like the ball was coming out of my hand good. I think I was doing everything right in the nets but I just wasn’t getting the rewards. Just have to stay calm and it’ll be my turn soon. I think I’ll go with the regular finger spinner one, that was my favorite,” said Hosein.
Hosein said that it’s a lot of hard work when it comes to international cricket, especially with people analyzing the game closely. The West Indian spinner commented that it is important to stay ahead of the opponents with new plans.
“It’s a lot of hard work (to perform at this level), especially when you start getting success. The way the game is moving, guys are going to study you and they are going to come up with different plans. So you always have to stay one step ahead of them every time,” said Hosein.
Hosein also bowled 4 overs on the trot on Sunday, something he doesn’t mind doing for the team’s cause.
“I don’t mind, I am happy to bowl wherever the team needs me. When you are in that good form, you just continue and bowl out four overs,” said Hosein.
Hosein and New Zealand will next be in action against New Zealand on 13 June.