LIVE match analysis Pakistan v Kenya: Batsmen to watch out for – ICC World Cup 2011
The rejuvenated Pakistan will begin their ICC World Cup campaign as they take on the minnows Kenya in their first game at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.
Both these team have never met each other in World Cups, so there is no previous rivalry between the two. However, they have contested against each other in five games, with Pakistan leading the table with a telling margin of 5-0.
Hambantota has hosted a game before and that was between http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Canada-c748 in the ongoing tournament, which the hosts won by a considerable 210-run margin. Nevertheless, the home team piled up a mammoth 332-run total. It means that the pitch at the stadium
is an absolute belter and a run-fest is expected.
Like most subcontinent tracks, the track will assist the stroke-makers. Kenya, who bundled out for 69 in their first match against New Zealand, has a better chance of showing up with the willow. On the other hand, Pakistan houses dashing strikers in their
line-up to dent any opposition in the world.
Younis Khan
Younis Khan holds the middle order together, as others can play around him. He can provide Pakistan with a launching pad to score a competitive total, as he rotates the strike regularly. The right-hander needs a bit of time in the middle and he can play
the spinners with authority.
However, his dismal record in the mega event is a serious thing to ponder upon. In eight games, he has racked up 121 runs at 17 with a best of 32. He will be looking to put that right by mustering substantial scores on a consistent basis.
Ahmed Shehzad
In the recent years, Ahmed Shehzad is a type batsman which Pakistan was looking for, as he can provide his team with electrifying starts. He has all the attributes to become a successful opening batsman, as he can play a solid innings and can easily raise
his game to hammer bowling attacks at will.
This will be his first mega event and he would want to impress everyone with his superb batting skills. In nine One-day internationals, he has gathered 294 runs at 36, including a century in New Zealand.
Shehzad loves to smash the ball on the leg-side and is a fearsome hitter down the ground. His clean hitting and calculated shot-making has earned him a reputation of a reliable opening batsman.
Seren Waters
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Seren-Waters-c89209 is a technically correct batsman, as his technique is based on compact defence and playing down the ground. He can provide much needed stability to the Kenyan batting line-up. Particularly he is strong off his front foot and covers the line
of the ball precisely.
Kenya will look up to their opening batsman to provide them with a solid start against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755. In response, the 20-year old has to answer the call with a resilient performance.
Steve Tikolo
Steve Tikolo, Kenya’s leading player, is playing his last world cup. This is the time for him to perform significantly and round off his career on a high note. However, he only managed to score 2 runs in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754.
In order to challenge the opposition bowlers, his team would want a firing Tikolo and he will be keen to put things right from the second match.
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