By Travis Seymour
Spinner Akeal Hosein set a new record for the best ICC T20 World Cup bowling figures by a West Indian, taking five wickets for just eleven runs as the West Indies secured a decisive victory against Uganda on Saturday night at Providence.
Following his record-breaking performance, Hosein expressed his satisfaction and highlighted the team’s focus on overcoming tougher opponents in the upcoming matches.
The Trinbagonian spinner emphasized the importance of maintaining form and aiming for victories in every game.
In the match against Uganda, the West Indies quickly dominated, reducing the African side to 15-3 within the first three overs.
Uganda’s struggles continued, and they were reeling at 22 for 6 after the power play.
Hosein’s exceptional spin bowling dismantled the opposition, ending with impressive figures of 5 for 11 in his four overs—the sixth-best bowling figures in T20 history and the best by a West Indian.
Pacer Alzarri Joseph also made significant contributions, removing Uganda’s captain Brian Masaba and ending with figures of 2 for 6.
Gudakesh Motie added to the wickets tally before Joseph returned to clean bowl Frank Nsunbuga.
Motie finished with 1 for 6, and Uganda was dismissed for a mere 39 runs, equaling the lowest total in T20 cricket, resulting in a comprehensive 134-run victory for the West Indies.
Earlier in the match, West Indies’ openers Johnson Charles and Brandon King set the tone, with King scoring 13 before being clean bowled.
Nicholas Pooran then delivered a quickfire 22 with three sixes, helping the team to 54 for 1 at the end of the six-over power play.
Despite Pooran’s soft dismissal, the West Indies continued to build their innings.
Contributions from Sherfane Rutherford (22), Rovman Powell (23), and Andre Russell (30) propelled the West Indies to a competitive total of 173 for 5 after 20 overs.
This 134-run victory marks a dream start for the West Indies in their World Cup campaign.
They are now set to face New Zealand on Wednesday in Trinidad and Tobago.