The Hindu : Keen match expected between African teams

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 12, 2003

Sport

Sport - World Cup

Keen match expected between African teams

By Vijay Lokapally

BLOMFONTEIN MARCH 11. The cameras are in place. The scribes are there in good number and Kenya coach Sandeep Patil seems a happy man. "It feels nice. Good to see so many media men for a Kenya team press conference. At the ICC Trophy in Nairobi there was none to talk to us, it was just I and Steve (Tikolo). I was asking Steve and Steve was asking me,'' said Patil.

Recognition is what Kenya has gained the most in this World Cup as it prepares to meet Zimbabwe in a crucial Super Six match at the Goodyear Park here on Wednesday. Kenya, with 10 points, needs a win to raise hopes of a berth in the semifinals while Zimbabwe, with just 3.5, has to win to stay in contention.

Patil summed up his team's journey, "we've come a long way. I can't worry myself on the lack of experience in the ranks. But we've played some good cricket at the World Cup, and have stuck to the basics.''

It has been a dream month for Kenya. The win over Sri Lanka carried it into the Super Six and the first match against India gave a big boost to the players' confidence. Kenya has never beaten Zimbabwe in a one-day international but looks forward to pull of a win on Wednesday.

"The key is to play well in all three departments (batting, bowling and fielding). I've confidence in the ability of my team and tomorrow could be the day for us. I don't think there's pressure on us once we step on to the field because we've learnt to forget the outside factors when play begins,'' said Tikolo, an icon in Kenya.

``I've enjoyed tremendous support from the players. The boys have done really well. As a coach I'm proud of them. I've absolutely no complaints, no regrets. I'm happy at the way things have worked out for us and I give total credit to Steve and the boys,'' said Patil.

The Kenyans have improved with every match. The effort has been to learn fast in order to make an impact. "We are very confident. It's a new day and new tournament and we know a win might see us through to the semifinals. The reaction back home has been tremendous and we want to do it for the people who have supported us,'' Tikolo said.

The Kenyans are banking on the unpredictable ways of one-day cricket. "We can win if we play good cricket. The focus is right and we need to go and enjoy the game. There's no point thinking about the pressure.''

The Kenyans shall look forward to the opportunities presented by the absence of Brian Murphy, ruled out because of calf injury, and Mark Vermeulen, who is recovering from a head injury. The return of Alistair Campbell in bizarre circumstances gives Zimbabwe the chance to look at the match with confidence.

"Alistair is a good player. It was unfortunate when he missed the chance but it's nice to see him in the team,'' said Tikolo even as Zimbabwe skipper Heath Streak supported his views on Campbell. "Alistair was part of the reserves and always knew that he could come in as a replacement. He has a good record and has won matches for us. He might even play tomorrow,'' remarked Streak.

Campbell returns to the team after having commentated on television in a few World Cup matches here. The replacement for Murphy is Stuart Matsikenyari.

Guy Whittall has been ruled out on account of a hamstring injury but Andy Flower, as confirmed by Streak, will play.

Streak praised the opposition. "I think the Kenyans have played some great cricket in qualifying for the Super Six stage. We've followed their progress with admiration and have lot of respect for them. It's a crunch game for us too and we have to win to remain in contention. We'll play hard and enjoy a beer with the Kenyans after the game,'' said Streak.

Zimbabwe will obviously bank on its batting strength. "We'll need to put up a big total and defend it. We need more discipline in our bowling but I know the guys are learning fast,'' observed Streak.

Both captains stressed that they would go out and play their natural game and try and dominate the game in their own way.

The teams (from): Zimbabwe: Heath Streak (captain), Andy Flower, Alistair Campbell, Dion Ebrahim, Sean Ervine, Grant Flower, Travis Friend, Doug Hondo, Doug Marillier, Andy Blignaut, Henry Olonga, Tatenda Taibu, Guy Whittall, Craig Wishart and Stuart Matsikenyari.

Kenya: Steve Tikolo (captain), Ravindu Shah, Kennedy Obuya, Maurice Odumbe, Collins Obuya, Martin Suji, Hitesh Modi, Thomas Odoyo, Tony Suji, Peter Ongondo, David Obuya, Joseph Angara, Brijal Patel, Aasif Karim and Alpesh Vadher.

Umpires: Ms/ Aleem Dar (Pakistan) and Srinivas Venkataraghavan (India). TV umpire: Billy Bowden (New Zealand). Match referee: Wasim Raja (Pakistan).

Hours of play: 1.30 p.m. to 5 p.m.; 5.45 p.m. onwards.

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