Kenya hope to make amends for NZ fiasco

The manner in which results of the matches between the minnows and the majors have gone in the 2011 World Cup, one could safely assume Pakistan to pummel Kenya when the 1992 champions open their Cup campaign at the magnificent Mahinda Rajapakse International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota on Wednesday. But then, we are talking Pakistan here. We're talking about a team whose only predictable factor is its unpredictability.

Kenya were embarrassing against New Zealand in Chennai on Sunday and even if they play at their best on their arrival across the Indian Ocean here, the result of the match is not in their hands. It will depend on how well or how poorly Pakistan play. It's a difficult situation to be in for any sporting team or sportsman.

That Pakistan opted not to train on Tuesday, the eve of their opening clash, gave enough indications about how confident they are about the chances. Confident is the buzz word. The side is oozing with confidence after running South Africa close in an ODI series in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and winning the series against New Zealand in New Zealand. But skipper Shahid Afridi is careful that it does not translate into over-confidence.

So out went any thoughts of the green brigade resting key players for the first match. "I don't think we will be relaxed in any way. The first match in any tournament is always important. There are a number of examples when big teams have lost. So the first match is important and I want to field our strongest team," the Pakistan skipper stressed.

Veteran Kenyan batsman and one of the stalwarts of the side, Steven Tikolo knows that man for man, his side is no match for the talented Pakistan side. But he wasn't ready to concede any ground to the opposition. He almost applauded Afridi's decision to field a full strength squad against them. "That's what we are here for to look to play good cricket, be competitive and win games. It's good to know that the opposing captain has respect for the Kenyan team. I'll pass that message to the guys and that should get them pumped up for the game tomorrow," he stated.

Yes, it's a David vs Goliath contest, but wasn't it the case even on February 29, 1996 and February 23, 2003. Just in case you're wondering why we're throwing the calendar at you, those were the dates when David didn't just triumph against Goliath, he thumped him. Kenya beat West Indies in the 1996 World Cup and Sri Lanka in the 2003 edition.

Source:TimesofIndia