‘I’m replacing a legend’: Sixers may have lost Steve O’Keefe, but Akeal Hosein has already shown the BBL why he’s the world’s best T20 bowler

The rest of the league would have been cheering when Steve O’Keefe retired. But the celebrations are over with his replacement at the Sixers now the number one ranked T20 bowler in the world.

Akeal Hosein acknowledges he’s replacing a “legend” at the Sixers, but the spinner showed in the Sydney Smash why he’s now the number one bowler in the world as he looks to extend their unbeaten start to the BBL season against the winless Stars.

The West Indian superstar has emerged as one of the toughest white ball bowlers to hit, with Hosein now the top-ranked T20 bowler in the world ahead of Australia’s Adam Zampa who is fourth.

Akeal Hosein has spun his way to the No.1 spot in ICC Men's T20I Bowler Rankings 👏

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— ICC (@ICC) December 19, 2024

“I’m not usually one to post stats, but this one is special. Who would have thought, huh? That the boy from the hood, the boy from Laventille could be number 1 in the world,” Hosein wrote on Instagram last week after rising to the top of the T20 rankings for the first time.

“Whatever is or was being said, for however long I may remain at this number, no matter what happens, let this serve as a reminder that I did it. That I am number 1.”

Hosein boasts a miserly economy rate of just 6.2 in the BBL and was at his brilliant best against the Thunder last weekend when he claimed 2-23 from his four overs including the huge wicket of Sam Konstas for a duck on the fourth ball of the night.

That's why Akeal Hosein is one of the best in the business!

Konstas has to depart for a duck 🤯 #BBL14pic.twitter.com/FZASMO4zGN

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 21, 2024

“I set my goals at the start of the year to be number one, and in general, to be the best at anything you do is great so it’s pleasing to see that I could accomplish that and close out the year,” he said on Tuesday.

“I wouldn’t say that I’ve changed (anything). It’s just about putting in the hard work and trying to repeat good things over and over that gets you success.”

Hosein played 10 games for the Renegades across two seasons but has joined the Sixers this year after magenta veteran Steve O’Keefe retired with 99 wickets at an economy of 6.65.

“I know I’m replacing a legend, but with that being said, bowling in the power play is as challenging as it gets,” he said.

“So for me, every match you turn up to with that being your role, you’re always going to have pressure and you’re always going to have to make sure you come up trumps because it’s only two guys out (of the circle).

“It’s not about dropping the ball or being able to relax. For me, it’s always a pressure situation so you’ve always got to be up no matter what game you play.”

Akeal Hosein starred on debut for the Sixers in last week’s Sydney Smash. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The Sixers have started the season with back-to-back wins thanks to some late heroics from Ben Dwarshuis in both games, but they’ll be hoping for a less stressful result at home against the winless Stars on Boxing Day.

The Stars have struggled to get going this season but did produce a thrilling final over win at the SCG last season, with Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis due for some runs.

“These guys are world-class players,” Hosein said.

“With them not winning a game, those are the teams you can’t take lightly because they don’t have anything to lose.

“The only way for them to go is up.”

Originally published as ‘I’m replacing a legend’: Sixers may have lost Steve O’Keefe, but Akeal Hosein has already shown the BBL why he’s the world’s best T20 bowler