http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Kenya-c752 - ICC World Cup 2011, Men in Green bat first
In the sixth game of the ICC World Cup 2011, Pakistan has won the toss and has elected to bat first. In the day and night fixture against Kenya at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, in Hambantota, Pakistan has started their innings with Mohammad
Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad.
Batting first is the right option, as the track is expected to produce a high scoring game. The experts believe that the conditions in Hambantota will suit Pakistan and it should be an easy ride for Pakistan.
After winning the toss, Pakistan’s captain, Shahid Afridi, said that "We will look to put up a good score, the surface looks dry. The squad is quite balanced. We are going with two seamers, Shoaib and Umar Gul".
Shoaib Akhtar had a bad game against England in a warm-up game. He will be hoping to perform well and confirm his berth for future fixtures.
Later in the game the ball is expected to reverse swing and he will be helpful in the second innings. It was expected that against the minnow team Kenya, the left arm quickie, Junaid http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Khan-c71319, would make his debut. However, the Pakistani camp has included the
experienced Shoaib Akhtar.
Pakistan has preferred the left-arm orthodox bowler Abdur Rehman over the off-break spinner Saeed Ajmal. Abdur Rehman is also a decent batsman and is the only left-handed player in the team.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 and Mohammad Hafeez will help complete the 50 over quota. Pakistan’s varied attack will be useful in the conditions and they will like to stop the run flow and take wickets.
The Kenya captain, Jimmy Kamande, said that "We want to improve from the New Zealand game. We didn't turn up for that game. Will look to restrict Pakistan with our spinners".
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Green-c60723.
After losing the toss, Kenya will be relying on their opening pace duo of Thomas Odoyo, and, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Elijah-Otieno-c55866. Both bowlers have the ability to swing the ball both ways and that can test the technique and temperament of Pakistani batsmen.
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