Hambantota, Sri Lanka: It seems like Pakistan is in a half-century jinx as they lost two of their well set batsmen, who were on a recovery mission after losing cheaply both their openers, right after the 50 jubilation here at the Mahinda Rajapakse Stadium on Wednesday.
Steve Tikolo trapped Younis Khan (50) in front of the stumps while Shem Ngoche took out Kamran Akmal, who looked comfortable at 55, to put Kenya back in the game. All eyes are now on Misbah-ul-Haq, who is in his 40s.
Kamran and Younis Khan, with a concrete third wicket stand were helping Pakistan to get back on its feet when Ngoche invited Kamran out of the crease leaving his stumps all for Morris Ouma to work.
Kenyan pacers had earlier sent shivers down the Pakistani batting order as they struck twice in the sixth and seventh overs to take off openers, Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad.
If Mohammad Hafeez’s dismissal was a display of a brilliant piece of fielding by Seren Waters, then Ahmed Shehzad’s was a pure giveaway.
Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi won the toss and decided to bat in the World Cup Group A clash against Kenya at Mahinda Rajapakse stadium on Wednesday.
Pakistan chose left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman in addition to their three-man seam attack of Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul and Abdul Razzaq.
Kenya, who crashed to New Zealand in their first match by 10 wickets after being shot out for 69 on Sunday, left out opener Alex Obanda and brought in Tanmay Mishar as the only change in their side.
Pakistan: Shahid Afridi (C), Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal, Younis Khan, Umar Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rehman, Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, Ahmed Shahzad.
Kenya: Jimmy Kamande (C), Seren Waters, Collins Obuya, Steve Tikolo, Tanmay Mishra, Rakep Patel, Morris Ouma, Thomas Odoyo, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Elijah Otieno, Shem Ngoche.