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Faf du Plessis: Real Test for Motie, Hosein is Against South Africa & India

Faf du Plessis praised West Indies spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie for their dominant seven-wicket haul against Zimbabwe. However, he believes their true test will come in upcoming Super 8 matches against South Africa and India, particularly against left-handed batters. The West Indies set a mammoth 254/6, the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history, to secure a 107-run victory. The team now faces crucial fixtures against South Africa in Ahmedabad and India in Kolkata.

Key Points: Du Plessis on West Indies Spinners' Real Test vs SA, India

  • Spinners took 7/56 vs Zimbabwe
  • Real test vs SA & India's left-handers
  • West Indies posted 254/6
  • Crucial Super 8 matches ahead
2 min read

Faf du Plessis believes real test for spinners Motie, Hosein will come against South Africa, India

Faf du Plessis says Windies spinners Motie & Hosein face their true challenge against South Africa and India's left-handers in T20 World Cup.

"The test will come now when they play against a lot of lefties in India - Faf du Plessis"

Mumbai, February 24

Former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis praised West Indies spin duo of Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie for their performance against Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup, but believes bowling against South Africa and India will be the real test for the two spinners.

Hosein and Motie together took seven wickets for 56 runs from their eight overs as West Indies registered a commanding 107-run victory over Zimbabwe in their first Super 8 match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Monday.

"I saw them in South Africa. And I have played a lot of cricket with and against both of them. Amazing spinners. If there's a little bit of something in the wicket, both of them [will exploit it]. But the test will come now when they play against a lot of lefties in India, how're they going to respond to that, and South Africa played both of them really well in South Africa [in the T20I series in January this year]," du Plessis said as per ESPNcricinfo.

West Indies posted a colossal 254/6 in 20 overs, second only to Sri Lanka's 260/6 against Kenya in the 2007 T20 World Cup.

This is also the second time a team has crossed the 250-run mark in the T20 World Cup history. This was also the highest T20I totals against Zimbabwe, bettering India's 234/2 at Harare in 2024.

Hosein, bowled in the powerplay, and had two wickets under his belt by the end of it. He finished with 3 for 28. Motie stormed in after the power play, snatching Dion Myers' wicket in his first over. He went on to take 4 for 28, bagging Raza and Tashinga Musekiwa in consecutive balls.

West Indies play South Africa in Ahmedabad on Thursday and India in Kolkata on Sunday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
They bowled brilliantly, no doubt. 7 wickets is impressive. But I agree with the analysis. South Africa handled them well at home. Let's see if they've learned from that experience. The pressure in Kolkata against India will be immense! 🇮🇳
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Vikram M
Credit where it's due, Motie and Hosein were clinical. But the article headline is a bit harsh, no? Let them enjoy their win. Every match is a test. Why downplay their performance by immediately talking about the "real" test? Just an observation.
A
Aman W
That West Indies total of 254 was insane! Batting first is becoming a huge advantage. As for the spinners, they have skill. But Indian conditions against Indian batters? That's the ultimate examination for any spinner in world cricket.
S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective from Faf. He's played against them so his insight is valuable. The Windies look like a dangerous dark horse this tournament. Their match against India in Kolkata is now a must-watch! 🏏
K
Karthik V
True test indeed. Our middle order needs to play them carefully. They are not mystery spinners, but very accurate. If the pitch in Kolkata has any turn, it could be a fascinating contest. Hope the team management is doing their homework.

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