Sami Aslam, Talha lead Pakistan 'A' to big win over Kenya

Published December 13, 2014
Kenyan cricketer, Morris Ouma (L) returns to the pavilion after being stumped by Pakistani wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizvan. — AFP
Kenyan cricketer, Morris Ouma (L) returns to the pavilion after being stumped by Pakistani wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizvan. — AFP

Test paceman Mohammad Talha took four wickets and emerging opener Sami Aslam smashed a rapid hundred as Pakistan 'A' defeated Kenya in what was the first high-profile international match in Pakistan since 2009.

Although Afghanistan has toured Pakistan in between, Kenya's visit to the country is the first by a non-Asian team since the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.

Pakistan 'A', winning the toss and putting the tourists into bat first, dominated play from the onset as a fiery Talha picked up his first wicket off just the fourth ball of the 1st over. And it was a process soon after as Kenya failed to come to terms with the pace of Talha and the wily slow left-armers of Raza Hasan.

Nelson Odhiambo (44) and Gurdeep Singh (55) were the only solid contributors with the bat for Kenya which was bowled out for 167 in the 45-overs-aside game.

In response, the 19-year-old Sami Aslam provided the Pakistan selectors with some selection headaches with a timely 97-ball 101 which included 11 fours and two sixes. He found an able ally in Fazal Subhan who scored a neat half century to take Pakistan 'A' home in 28.3 overs.

The Pakistan Cricket Board said Kenya's tour will go a long way in changing perceptions about the security situation in the country.

"Kenya's visit has its own importance because it is the first full non-Asian team to visit Pakistan after March 2009. This tour will help in changing the perception about security in Pakistan. We hope that tours by other full-member teams will follow after this."

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