Pakistan will start their campaign in the ICC 2011 world cup against Kenya on 23rd Feb 2011 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota. Pakistan will try to overcome the match fixing controversy by showing good display of both batting and bowling against a mere weak Kenya. Pakistan is always an unpredictable team and Kenya too has the capabilities to make an upset like they did against the West Indies in World cup previously. The batting line up the Pakistan though is strong but it looks most of the time fragile on the field and it is their bowling strength that always helps them to make comeback in most of the matches. Controversial bowler Akthar is not fit for this match and their pace attack will rely on the rather new bowlers like Riaz, Umar Gul and all rounder Razzak. Their batting will depend upon the performance of Younis Khan, Misbah Ul Haq and Umar Akmal. Captain Sahid Afridi who holds the world record for the fastest century in ODI history will also look upon to bank this opportunity to score some quick runs.
For Kenya, they will rely heavily on their opening pair and average but controlled pace bowling attack. It is expected that Kenya will do brilliant fielding as African nations are known for.
Team winning the toss will look forward to bat first as in Sri Lanka it becomes difficult to chase runs under lights.