Pakistan middle-order sets Kenya stiff target
By IANSWednesday, February 23, 2011
HAMBANTOTA - A strong show by the middle-order helped Pakistan get 317 for seven in 50 overs against Kenya in a World Cup Group A match at the Mahinda Rajapakse International Cricket Stadium here Wednesday.
Umar Akmal smashed a 52-ball 71, adding a rapid fire 118 runs for the fifth wicket with Misbah-ul-Haq, who hit a 69-ball 65. Umar’s elder brother, Kamran, made 55 while senior batsman Younis Khan made 50.
Pakistan made a slow start on a placid track and openers Mohammad Hafeez (1) and Ahmed Shahzad (9) departed in 6.5 overs with just 12 runs on the board.
Khan and Kamran revived the innings through a solid 98-run stand for the third wicket, pushing for singles off some tight bowling.
But Kenya, who were shot out for 69 runs in their first match against New Zealand, lost the plot work with some erratic bowling, conceding 46 extras, including 37 wides.
