Group: A
Preview
Pakistan versus Kenya
Venue: Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium, Sooriyawewa, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Start Time: 14:30 (IST)
Kenya were no match to New Zealand in their first world cup game getting a mauling that they would like to forget. Batsmen surrendered meekly to Kiwi bowlers and African side was further embarrassed with New Zealand openers finishing the chase in a blink.
Another heavyweight awaits them. This time it will be Pakistan. They would like to put behind them the scars of Sunday game by coming up with a good show against resurgent Pakistan.
Pakistan, on other hand, would be keen to start their world cup campaign with the bang. They have the ammunition, firepower and balance to do so.
Keeping in mind Kenyan performance in their first game, another lop-sided affair is on cards. But you know never with Pakistan, which side turns up on Wednesday remains to be seen.
Pakistan
Inconsistent Pakistan, over the years, has been consistent with two things, unpredictability and rising from the ashes. They have shown it once again.
The haunting memories of disastrous 2010-punctuated with spot fixing allegations that saw three of their premier players banned, wicketkeeper missing hours before start of an ODI match , players banned for disrupting team unity during Down Under tour only to be recalled back and what not-seem to have been erased. New Year seems to have dawned a renaissance and all of a sudden, the team looks a force to reckon with in upcoming world cup.
A long last test series win preceding the triumph in current ODI series against the New Zealand in their own backyard is a signal to other teams-Back we are with a bang.
On its day, Pakistan can derail even the best in the business but can go down to an average team as well. As of now, team looks focused and elusive team unity is palpable.
On talent front, they are a team to watch out for.
For now, doubts about a brittle batting line up seem to have been allayed. Both openers, Mohammad Hafeez and young Ahmad Shahzad have century apiece under their belt in recently concluded ODI series against the Kiwis indicating that openers are in a good shape.
Misbah, in form of his life, supplements much needed calmness to the middle. While Skipper Afridi keeps reminding the world his hitting prowess with his occasional cameos, Umar Akmal and seasoned campaigner Younis Khan are the vital cogs in the middle order batting.
Lower order hitting of Razzaq and Afridi is where Pakistan’s strength lies. If openers and middle order batters provide the platform to the duo, the fans are in for a special treat and opposite teams in trouble.
Bowling department, as always, seems to have all the bases covered. A new ball pair of pacy Shoab but short of fitness and thrifty Razzaq followed by spells of Wahab and Gul, who can reverse it at 145 kph make it an effective bowling unit.
Pakistan, it appears, might leave their frontline spinners out of playing eleven that would mean Afridi and Hafiz will have to carry the duties of spin bowling.
The Squad: Shahid Afridi (Capt), Misbah-ul-Haq, Ahmad Shahzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Abdur Razzaq, Kamran Akmal, Syed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Shoab Akhter and Umar Gul
Coach: Waqar Younis
Kenya
After the Sunday mauling, they appear the side low on confidence. For them to put up a good show against Pakistan they must get the previous game out of their mind.
It will be up to senior men to lift their team up for the crucial encounter. Steve Tikolo would like to give stability to inexperienced batting line-up and runs are due from all-rounder Thomas Odoyo’s bat as well.
Collins Obuya, who for a brief period showed his batting talent in the first game need to score big at the number three, and Kenya would want its openers to occupy the crease for longer period so that wickets aren’t lost upfront.
Serene Waters and Alex Obanda have shown batting talent in the past and need to translate that into some runs.
Rakep Patel who ran out of partners in Sunday’s game, is another one who Kenya would want to provide much needed calmness and solidity in the middle order.
How will batting line-up perform against strong Pakistan bowling unit is what everybody is keen to see.
Bowling department didn’t get the chance to show their skills much as New Zealand finished the small Kenyan target inside eight overs.
Bowlers need to bring their A game into play against Pakistan’s power hitters and would seek to restrict them from posting a big total.
The Squad: Jimmy Kammande (Capt),Tanmay Mishra, Rakep Patel, James Oteino, Steve Tikolo, Thomas Odoyo, Collins Obuya, Peter Ongonda, Morris Ouma, David Obuya, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Shem Ngoche, Seren Waters, Elijah Oteino and Alex Obanda.
Coach: Eldine Baptiste
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