Why Akeal Hosein is Not Playing Today in WI vs SA T20 World Cup Match 2026?

The West Indies vs South Africa Super 8 match is going on, and the team winning this match will breathe easy for the semi-final qualification. After getting a dream start to this new phase of the T20 World Cup 2026, both West Indies and the Proteas are in a good position. Although the seats for the semi-final are not yet confirmed for either of them, keeping the must-win spirit is going to be necessary for both teams.

Meanwhile, the Proteas captain, Aiden Markram, won the toss and expectedly decided to bowl first at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. While South Africa didn't make any changes, West Indies left out the left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein for this match.

Why Akeal Hosein is Not Playing Today Against South Africa?

Right after the toss, WI skipper Shai Hope stated that Roston Chase is coming into the playing 11 for this game as Akeal Hosein replacement. Hope made it clear that Hosein hasn't been dropped but the decision has been taken keeping the opposition's batting line-up in mind.

West Indies wanted to move forward with an off-spinner to attack South Africa's dangerous left-handed batters like Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, and David Miller. Chase has an excellent record against the left-handers, which prompted the WI team management to move ahead with this change.

More to follow…