All thanks to Captain Shahid Afridi who took five wickets and Umar Akmal scored one of four half-centuries for Pakistan’s victory against Kenya by 205 runs in a World Cup Group A match at the Mahinda Rajapakse International Cricket Stadium here on Wednesday.
After electing to bat, Pakistan’s played a promising game as they put forth 317/7 in 50 overs before Kenya overtake them. Though, Umar Akmal smashed a 52-ball 71 while Misbah-ul-Haq hit a 69-ball 65. Since, Umar’s elder brother, Kamran also contributed 55 runs and the senior batsman Younis Khan scored 50.
However, this is Kenya’s second consecutive defeat in the mega-event after being crushed by New Zealand 10 wickets in their tournament-opener on last Sunday.
Initially, Pakistan were moving very slow as with openers Mohammad Hafeez made nine while Ahmed Shahzad one disappoint the member as they left the board at 12/2
From 12 for two in 6.5 overs, Younis-Kamran fuel Pakistan to 110 for three, securing a crucial 98-run third-wicket stand before quickfire knocks from Misbah and Umar turned the tide completely in Pakistan’s favour.
Pakistan will face next to Sri Lanka, winners against Canada in their first match, on Saturday. Whereas Kenya will go with Sri Lanka on March 1 with both matches in Colombo.
Brief scores
Pakistan: 317-7 (Umar Akmal 71, Misbah-ul-Haq 65, Younis Khan 50, Kamran Akmal 55)
Kenya: 112 in 33.1 overs (Collins Obuya 47; Shahid Afridi 5-16)
