Match Previews 
/ Ed Hawkins / 22 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Shoaib Akhtar should trouble Kenya
"Despite Pakistan’s previous problems with spot-fixing, it would be remarkable if there was to be anything untoward taking place in this contest in terms of the result"
It's another mismatch in the tournament but there are still betting options for this contest in Hambantota on Wednesday as Ed Hawkins explains. Follow him on Twitter here.
Team news
Pakistan, the pariahs of the world game, begin their campaign for forgiveness against Kenya and they do so with an embarrassment of riches in terms of talent, which makes it hard not to believe they have been underrated for glory.
They have one of best squads on show with Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz masters with new ball, old ball and at the death, while Shahid Afridi leads a mini army of spinners. Such is their depth that fearsome hitter and occasional opening bowler Abdul Razzaq may be left out.
Kenya, humiliated by New Zealand in barely 30 overs in their first match, should be no match for Pakistan. Jimmy Kamande, the captain, promised an improvement. They could hardly be any worse.
Venue and conditions
The Mahinda Rajapaksha stadium has hosted the one game so far and although it could be perceived as premature to judge a wicket after one viewing, we know a sluggish one when we see one. Sure, Sri Lanka may have amassed 332 against Canada but the home side are used to such surfaces and it was obvious watching batsmen mistime at the start of an innings that it was slow. This will suit Pakistan. Kenya will find it alien.
Match odds
Despite Pakistan's previous problems with spot-fixing, it would be remarkable if there was to be anything untoward taking place in this contest in terms of the result. Not that anyone will be betting Pakistan at skinny odds of [1.05]. Kenya are [18.00] and if you have to play this market then the African side are a back-to-lay option. Remarkably a similar trade would have paid off - providing you were quick - against New Zealand.
Top batsman - Pakistan
Misbah-ul-Haq is the man in form for Pakistan with a couple of fifties in the recent series against New Zealand and a century in the warm-up match against Bangladesh. He is [6.00] for top-bat honours. Younis Khan, with 80 in the warm-up loss to England, is [5.00].
Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez, probably the two weakest openers in the tournament from a Big Eight perspective, are both [2.60]. Kamran Akmal could also open, however and is [4.00]. The value looks to lie with Any Other at [7.00], however. You will have Afridi, Razzaq and Umar Akmal batting for you among the rest.
Top batsman - Kenya
Seren Waters and Rakep Patel were joint top scorers with 16 runs against New Zealand. Collins Obuya, the former Warwickshire legspinner, hit the heights of 14. Not surprisingly the market is a confused one. Waters, Patel, Obuya and the trusty veteran Steve Tikolo are all [5.00]. In what is perhaps a sign of wishful thinking, [3.00] is the price for Any Other.
Featured market
It was the pace of New Zealand's Hamish Bennett which accounted for Kenya against New Zealand. Hurling it fast and full he was too much for them. So what could Shoaib Akhtar achieve? He could be worth following for top Pakistan bowler.
Best bet: back SHoaib for top bowler at [3.00]
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