Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The Abu Dhabi derby in the ongoing International League Twenty20 (ILT20) has been scheduled as a back-to-back double header this week where MI Emirates will expect on Friday a backlash from Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, who lost out by 28 runs in the first leg on Tuesday.
Past the halfway mark in the league, MI Emirates are second behind Desert Vipers, who have played an extra sixth game but are four points ahead of the title holders. If MI Emirates have to win at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, expect the West Indian bunch of compatriots in Nicholas Pooran’s side to play a key role again as they did on Tuesday.
The opening batsman and wicketkeeper Pooran got important contributions from Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd and Alzarri Joseph, just like the Knight Riders also had their West Indian players leading the fightback in their run chase before Hosein helped get the breakthrough after a providential run-out of Daniel Mousley.
Once Hosein got out Joe Clarke and Shepherd took two wickets, the chase went awry.
It is such contributions that Hosein, particularly, is hoping to accumulate as his response after the world’s best bowler in the format went unsold in the auction for the richest franchise tournament coming up – the Indian Premier League.
In a batting-friendly format, Hosein’s rise to the top is even more remarkable considering he made his debut only in 2021, as the late bloomer comes from Laventille, one of the crime hotspots in Port-of-Spain.
Asked about the hurt of missing out on the IPL riches while referring to his origins, Hosein remained humble and, yet, quietly confident in an interaction with Telecom Asia Sport.
“When you are at the top, everyone is trying to get that spot. For me, it’s to stay disciplined, stay humble and continue to put in the good work,” said Hosein, 31, who played for one season with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2023. “When you come from where I come from, you know nothing comes easy. So for me, it’s about remembering that and keeping my head down.”
Hosein credits part of his success and humility to his lovely understanding and support from Pooran, who is “the top batsman in the world” and helps him strategise with his view from behind the stumps as a wicketkeeper for MI Emirates.
“It’s always good to pick the brains of the best batter in T20, giving you cues and tips about what the batter may think based on how you strategise your overs. It’s a plus for me. We come up with different deliveries what we think might work. I think it’s something we enjoy. We look at it as a challenge within a challenge,” said Hosein, before reiterating that he is focused on the present for now than the IPL miss.
“It’s always a good feeling to be at the top of your class in whatever you do. But for me now, it’s about continuing to put in the work. Because you know, when you are at the top, everyone is trying to get that place. So, I would like to stay disciplined, stay humble and continue to put in the good work.”
Hosein’s performances for his team will be watched closely by his team’s management, including former UAE coach Robin Singh, who also is a key member for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, where the team did badly last season and will be having a hard look at the squad. Friday’s match, which starts at 6:30 pm, will be the home game for MI Emirates.
