After being annihilated by New Zealand in their group opener, minnows Kenya will look to atone for their poor performance when they face Pakistan in Hambantota, but a respite may not be coming until they face another associate.
The Kenyans, semifinalists at the 2003 edition, were simply unable to play New Zealand’s bowlers at Chepauk and were bowled out for 69, the fifth lowest total in World Cup history. Only three players- (opener Seren Waters, Collins Obuya and skipper Jimmy Kamande) made double figured and they come up against one of the world’s premier bowling attacks here.
Pakistan have Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez to open, and they should make a bold enough bid to launch Pakistan towards 300+ even on a pitch this slow (and remember that this is their kind of pitch), all with Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan and Afridi to come later on.
The last five wickets fell for only 10 runs, with all wickets being taken by the Kiwis’ pace trio of Tim Southee, Hamish Bennett and Jacob Oram. This suggests that the pace bowlers are likely to have a field day and the two who look likely to take advantage are Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Aktar.
Despite the massive gap between the two teams, Pakistan are unlikely to be complacent, a message echoed by Waqar Younis: “Everyone knows this is an important tournament so every match is important, whether the opponents are Kenya or Australia. We will play as if we are playing against any big team. We will not take anything lightly and go out to win every match."
All things considered, Pakistan may well be taking a big hand at the business end of this World Cup and they should be miles clear of a poor Kenya side.
Advice
2 pts Shahid Afridi to bowl a maiden over (6/5 Blue Sq)
2 pts Shaoib Aktar to bowl a maiden over (4/7 Blue Sq)
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