Pakistan bamboozle hapless Kenya

Pakistan’s massive 205-run win against Kenya is their biggest win in World Cups and the eighth largest overall.

HAMBANTOTA: Captain Shahid Afridi took five wickets and Umar Akmal scored a half-century as Pakistan crushed Kenya by 205 runs to get their World Cup campaign off to a flying start.

Kenya found their opponents too hot to handle after Umar hit a 52-ball 71 to anchor Pakistan’s  total of 317 for seven before they bundled out their rivals for just 112 in 33.1 overs.

Kenya, who lost by 10 wickets to New Zealand in their opening match, bowled a record-equalling 37 wides in a hapless display.

Afridi wants more

Despite the emphatic win, Afridi said that he was not 100 per cent satisfied and wanted an improved show in the next match against Sri Lanka that takes place on Saturday.

“Sri Lanka are a good side and the home advantage would give them confidence,” said the all-rounder at the post-match press conference. “Our openers will have to lift their performance as their partnerships are always important.”

Pakistan had been sluggish at the start with openers Mohammad Hafeez (nine) and Ahmed Shahzad (one) falling in quick succession, leaving their team struggling at 12 for two in the seventh over.

“Sri Lanka have good bowlers especially [Muttiah] Muralitharan and the return of [Lasith] Malinga will boost them as well.

“Consistency in our bowling would be the key.”

Pakistan headed for a 300-plus courtesy Umar Akmal (71), Misbah-ul-Haq (65), Kamran Akmal (55) and Younus Khan (50).

Man-of-the-match Umar, 21, playing his first World Cup tie, gave the innings a final flourish, sharing a rapid 118-run stand for the fifth wicket with in-form Misbah who was equally aggressive during his 69-ball stay.

With Umar and Misbah in full swing, Pakistan racked up 70 runs in the batting Powerplay, with the junior Akmal hitting four boundaries off one Elijah Otieno over.

Kenya equalled the highest number of wides bowled in a One-Day International innings of 37 conceded by the West Indies against Pakistan at Brisbane in 1989.

‘We did not experiment’

The 30-year-old captain added that Pakistan did not experiment even though they were playing the minnows. “We were focused on winning the match to avoid any upset we’ve suffered in the past tournaments.”

Afridi, who snapped up the first five-wicket haul in the ongoing World Cup, hoped to continue his good bowling form.

“I am very with my performance and looking forward to it as pitches suit the spinners here.”

Wasim gives tips to Wahab, Junaid

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram gave tips to the two upcoming fast-bowlers – Wahab Riaz and Junaid Khan – representing the national team, ahead of their opening World Cup encounter against Kenya. The legendary left-arm fast-bowler accepted a request by the team management and spent some time with the duo, giving them advise.

“I was asked by the management to give tips to the two left-arm pacers,” said Akram. “It would be an absolute pleasure if my tips benefit Pakistan.”

However, both bowlers were chosen to be rested for the opening match yesterday. “Akram’s guidance will certainly help the bowlers for the entire tournament and the request was not just for a specific match,” said a team official.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 24^th, 2011.