West Indies bowler Akeal Hosein had a whirlwind 24 hours, being a late addition to the ODI squad. Arriving in Bangladesh at 2:30 am, he faced a challenging journey to check in at the team hotel. By the afternoon, he found himself leading the Windies’ bowling attack in a match that lacked fast bowling. Hosein’s crucial performance in the Super Over secured a victory, despite a no-ball blunder, helping the team level the three-match series.
Reflecting on his hectic schedule, Akeal shared, “I was exhausted after reaching the hotel at 4 a.m. But dedication is key in this profession. Despite the fatigue, I was determined to give my best and contribute to the team’s success.” The spinner’s contribution was pivotal as Bangladesh fell short by one run in the chase of Windies’ 10 runs.
The pitch conditions have been a talking point in the ODI series, with the black soil surface favoring spinners. Hosein, when asked about his thoughts on not being included earlier, humorously remarked, “When I saw the pitch on TV, I thought there was a problem with my television. The black surface was surprising, but I trust the selectors’ decisions. My focus is on performing well and leaving the selection matters to the authorities.”
Regarding the unusual spin-heavy match, Akeal quipped, “We witnessed a record-breaking 50 overs of spin today. It was an intense and nail-biting game, but the pitch conditions certainly made it unique.” Despite the challenges posed by the surface, the Windies’ victory in the closely contested match has boosted team morale heading into the series-deciding third ODI.
“These hard-fought wins unite the team and instill belief. Every victory, no matter how tough, strengthens our resolve. I believe such wins can only benefit us moving forward, and hopefully, we carry this momentum into the final game,” Akeal expressed optimistically.