LIVE match analysis: Pakistan vs. Kenya, who will reign supreme? - ICC World Cup 2011
What happens when a team with numerous talents such as Pakistan comes up against arguably the weakest side in the tournament? Perhaps, nothing special. But when you consider the former is also the most unpredictable side in the world with an uncanny ability to self destruct, the mind starts making all sorts of assumptions. It is then, that you start believing that the Kenyan side has a wild chance.
Kenya started off in probably the worst possible way against the modest http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 side but that can also prove to be a good wake up call for the African side. An embarrassing defeat can sometimes be a blessing in disguise and reignite a team to go all out to restore its lost pride. Pakistan will not be expecting such a revival though and will be keen to get off to a winning start. Pakistan has a reputation of starting slow in big events and improving as the tournament progresses. But that has not always been the case and the last two editions of World Cups, when they were eliminated in the group stages, should be a good reminder for everyone.
Today, when both the teams meet, the odds will be tilted highly in favour of the cornered tigers. A Pakistan victory is what everyone expects, a miracle from Kenya seems unlikely. But they say cricket is a funny game, one in which predictions are inadequate indicators of things to come.
Pakistan will go into today’s game believing they can pull of an impressive victory in their opening match. Kenya on the other hand will look to give a good account of themselves in their pursuit to seek some redemption after failure in their last encounter against the Kiwi's. Pakistan will be lead by the inspirational and charismatic, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482. Afridi’s biggest challenge will be to keep the team united and focussed during the entire campaign.
The way he conducts the team and mobilises his resources will be a big factor in how the side performs. Jimmy Kamande, will be the man in charge to handle the affairs for Kenya. After their disastrous first match, Kamande will have a huge responsibility of picking up his team and motivating the players to perform to the best of their abilities.
Unlike Kenya http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Misbah-ul-Haq-c1972 has been a big boost to the batting order and his contributions will play a pivotal role in all the matches. The spinners are also one of their strengths; a force they will unleash on the Subcontinent tracks to their advantage.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Seren-Waters-c89209 and Steve Tikolo will be critical for the teams' success. Waters is one of their most promising batsmen and an asset to the side. Tikolo is their most experienced batsman and his presence will be a calming influence for all the younger players.
From the way things stand, the match should be tilted in the favour of Pakistan and apart for some minor hiccups the team should be able to manage a win by a decent margin. But that is if Kenya does not create problems for Pakistan to an extent that they start doubting their own abilities and crumble like a pack of cards.
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