ICC World Cup 2011-http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 keen to prove a point, as Kenya looks for an upset
The second match of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2011 is going to be a clash of the continents, as New Zealand takes on Kenya in their opening match at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk in Chennai.
The pancake-flat deck in Chennai will provide the willowers with a complete comfort of shot-selection. However, Bowlers will have their work cut out, and they have to add variations in their bowling repertoire in order to trouble the willowers.
New Zealand will be keen to prove a point, as in recent times, their record has been dismal in One-day internationals, losing their last 11 games in the subcontinent. The last time they were here, they suffered two whitewashes at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 respectively.
In addition, they haven’t tasted an ODI series win for quite a while, and suffered a humiliating defeat against an in-form Indian side in the warm-up game.
The Black Caps are one of the dark horses in the tournament, and somehow they always manage to raise their ante in the mega event and surprise the cricketing fraternity. The game against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Kenya-c752 will provide them a perfect platform to launch their assault, in order to take the momentum for the important encounters.
Jacob Oram’s form will be crucial for his team, and a brilliant all-round performance from him, will set up the tournament for the Kiwis. Injuries have hampered his career and confidence, so he needs a bit of time in the middle.
The opening partners, Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill look well settled at the top-order. They will provide their team with electrifying starts. On the contrary, the middle order looks a bit vulnerable, as players like Kane Williamson, Ross http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Taylor-c92915 and Scott Styris have not made a substantial contribution for quite a while.
James Franklin and Daniel Vettori will have to play a steady role in the late-order, in case, an early debacle happens.
The New Zealand bowling line-up looks a bit uncertain, as apart from Tim Southee, no other bowler has made a substantial contribution. Vettori, who is the best left-arm spinner in the world, has been in and out of the game.
For Kenya, the match against the struggling Black Caps will be a perfect opportunity to register an upset victory. At the top order, they have the batting fire power to dismantle the Kiwi bowlers.
The opening batsman Alex Obanda is definitely a player to watch out for, as he is an aggressive shot-maker. He has the ability to provide his team with a rollicking start. He is yet to record an ODI century, so he will be looking to do just that.
Seren Water is another talented individual. He is an opening batsman well capable of providing his team with solid start, and can easily raise the scoring rate if required.
This will be the last tournament for one of Kenya’s favourite son Steve Tikolo, and he will look to round off his tournament on a high note. Tikolo is the leading the run-scorer for his team, amassing 3377 runs at 30, and taking 93 wickets at 32.
The bowling line-up houses the fast bowling duo of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Nehemiah-Odhiambo-c79044 and Thomas Odoyo, who can surprise any batting line-up in the world. Shem Ngoche is a good addition to the Kenyan bowling attack, as he brings in the slow left-arm variety to the table.
On the big picture, both the teams will look to start their tournament on a high. New Zealand has a great chance of breaking their 11-match losing streak in subcontinent. On the Contrary, Kenya, who made it to semi-final in 2003’s flagship event, has the ability to shock their opponents.
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