World Cup 2011 : Pakistan vs Kenya...

This match was between the eternal mavericks of the game Pakistan & minnows Kenya. Winning the toss, Afridi wisely chose to bat first, & his batters did not disappoint him. Though the openers fell early, with score reading a dismal 12 for 2 in 7 overs, the middle order took over firmly. The initial nervousness was dealt with & Kamran Akmal along with veteran Younis Khan took centre stage & runs started flowing. after them Misbah along with Umar Akmal, made merry of the Kenyan attack & the run tempo kept climbing. In the end it was a massive 317 for 7 in the full quota of 50 overs. All the four middle order getting half centuries, with Umar Akmal topping with a breezy 71 off just 52 deliveries. Extras played a big role with a total of 46 vital runs. Kenyans had been rather tardy in this.

The reply by the Kenyans was poor as expected. This team lacks a solid player in the middle to calm nerves & build partnerships. The innings never took off, as wickets kept falling intermittently & within 33 overs it was all over. The Kenyans were all out for a paltry 112. the match was over. Afridi, who had a very brief stay during batting ran amok the Kenyan batting order with his fastish spin & claimed 5 wickets for just 16 runs in 8 overs.

Afridi looked cool & in control as a captain. The bowlers bowled well & the batsmen in the middle order look to be in form. This team is capable of surprises for sure.

Man of the Match : Umar Akmal for the match top score of 71 runs.