"Akeal Hosein is better than Jadeja" - X hails West Indian spinner for match-winning spell vs Uganda in 2024 T20 World Cup

West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein had a night to remember in the 2024 T20 World Cup clash against Uganda at Guyana on Saturday, June 8. The 31-year-old finished with his career-best T20I figures of 5/11 in four overs to help the co-hosts register a thumping 134-run victory.

Defending 173 runs, Hosein struck with his second delivery to set the ball rolling in West Indies' favor. The wily spinner followed that with a wicket in each of his next two overs to wreck Uganda to 21/5 in five overs.

He completed the five-wicket haul with two wickets off his final over to help the West Indies finish off Uganda for a paltry 39 all-out in 12 overs.

Hosein's figures were the best by a West Indian in T20 World Cups and the second best in overall T20Is, behind only Obed McCoy's 6/17 against India in 2022.

Fans on X hailed the left-arm spinner for his match-winning spell with the following reactions:

Fans continued lavishing praise on Hosein with one user saying:

"Extraordinary bowling by Akeal Hosein.

"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," said a fan.

"Akeal Hosein is truly in his element today! What a spectacular display of bowling skill!" a fan tweeted.

"Was doing everything right in the nets but I just wasn't getting the rewards" - Akeal Hosein

Akeal Hosein expressed relief at producing a Player of the Match performance for the side after a dry spell in the recent T20Is.

Despite being economical, the left-arm spinner had picked up only three wickets in his last five T20I outings before the Uganda clash.

"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," Hosein said at the post-match presentation

When asked about bowling in the powerplay, he responded:

"For me, it's about trying to react to what the surface is doing and try to plan out your over, that's the key. Even though you are getting the ball to move both ways, if you don't plan out your over, then you can end up in a mess. It's about good lengths and try to plan the over well."

Hosein boasts impressive overall T20I numbers, with 45 wickets at an average of 29 and an economy of 7.50 in 52 games.

He will be seen in action next when the West Indies take on New Zealand in Trinidad on Wednesday, June 12.