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India v Kenya Preview

Tuesday, March 18 2003

The ever metropolitan city of Durban plays host to Thursday's crucial Semi Final. A day nighter between in form India, and to a certain extent a surprise team, Kenya.

The Indian's have their all round cricket almost perfected. With very few weak links. India's fielding, bowling and not surprisingly batting have all been at their peak, and if this is not the year to win the World Cup, no year will be.

The likes of Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif, with their youthful exuberence, and unbelieveable maturity have shown their stuff in the field, and with the bat. The pace bowlers combined have more than 40 wickets in the tournament, compared to the spinners who only have 12 wickets.

Ganguly's captaincy has been superb throughout the tournament. Precise field changes, perfect bowling changes, and the decision to drop himself down the order has paid dividends for his side. His leadership has been determined, aggressive and inspiring.

The Kenyan's are showing their qualities of spirit, determination and passion for the game. Their enjoyment of the game, and their exuberance is matched by no nation. The spirit in which they play their cricket is astounding, and very creditable.

Led by their soft spoken but very determined skipper Steve Tikolo, the Kenyan's are the genuine nice guys of World Cricket, but with a heart and grit of the toughest players to match. Collins Obuya has been magical throughout, with his crafty leg spinners, which bamboozled the best of the Sri Lankan batsman.

Veteran spinner Asif Karim stunned Australia with three quick scalps, and surely wants to make his last International Tournament count. Kenya deserve all the success they have got in this World Cup, and thanks to their coach Sandip Patil, they have achieved high standards with bat, ball and in the field.

For India to win, they need to be on their guard and aviod complacency, as Kenya have beaten India before. Kenya provided a very stern test for Sri Lanka, Australia and India, and there is no reason in this world, why Kenya can't go all the way.

The Indian's though are heavy favorites to go through to the final and play Australia. From an ideal Indian perspective they would want Virender Sehwag and Dinesh Mongia to fire, so they can enter the final with all batsman getting runs under their belt.

As for Kenya, their spirited attitude has reaped them rich rewards, and one is for certain, they will always play with that same spirited and exuberent attitude.

Posted by Sangrah