Hambantota: Hambantota: Umar Akmal's blitzkreig of 71 runs from 52 balls and timely half centuries from veterans Younis Khan and Misbah ul Haq helped Pakistan notch up a mammoth 317/7 after an uncharacteristic start from the openers in their first World Cup match against Kenya here on Wednesday.
Misbah ul Haq (65 off 69 balls) and Umar were involved in 118-run partnership for the fifth wicket that provided the much-needed thrust to the Pakistan innings in the last 15 overs before the former departed in quest of quick runs.
That partnership put to rest Kenya's hopes of restricting Pakistan to under 275. Bringing up the team's 200 in the 40th over, the duo upped the ante in the last 10 overs making use of the batting powerplay.
Before that, Misbah joined Younis Khan after Kamran Akmal's (55) dismissal to propel Pakistan to over 150 but Younis got out lbw just after reaching his 50.
But Younis and Kamran's timely fifties took Pakistan out of early trouble and their third-wicket partnership of 98 runs ended only with a rash of blood from Akmal who was easily stumped by the Kenyan wicketkeeper.
Earlier, Pakistan made the most unauspicious start to their campaign as they lost both Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmad Shahzad inside 10 overs to discpilined bowling by Kenyan new-ball bowlers after Pakistan won the toss ane elected to bat.
While Hafeez (9) fell to a splendid catch by Seren Waters off Elijah Otieno at mid-on, Shahzad (1) was sent back by Thomas Odoyo.
Hafeez and Shahzad found it tough to break free against a disciplined bowling after Shahid Afridi won the toss and elected to bat.
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