India played a professional, ruthless game

It’s very important to guard against complacency, particularly against an opponent who may not boast of big names but, given an opportunity, have the ability to create an upset. Besides, for great players to perform at their best in a match calls for a challenge. Sure, the semifinal of the World Cup is a good enough platform to perform at one’s best, but there could be a tendency to relax a bit, for the chances of a weaker opponents stretching you to your fullest are never great. Having said that, to their credit, the Indians played almost faultless cricket.

What was important was that the Indians played to their strength. Though the outfield was slow due to a heavy downpour, and it was on the cards that the ball would grip the surface and seam off the wicket, the Indians still preferred to bat first and bat the Kenyans out of the game. That’s their strong point and they must exploit it to the fullest.

It was understandable to see Tendulkar being circumspect to start with, but he continued his great form by building an innings and producing strokes of extraordinary dimension. Pity, he could not go on, for he was literally toying with the Kenyan bowlers.

Sehwag missed a great opportunity to post a big score against his name. For, he was well set and should have been more careful. In cricket, when one is set, one must go on for a big one. It’s a crime to get out in the 30s, especially in a one-day match. Sehwag must learn this, and quickly too, from the ‘Little Master’ batting at the other end.

It was impressive to see Ganguly coming down the track to hoist Collins Obuya twice over the mid-wicket fence. For, though Ganguly scored heavily against Kenya in the previous encounter, and against Namibia, his footwork, especially when up against the quickies, was not as convincing as it should have been. Nonetheless, he played a gem of an innings.

Once he gets going, Ganguly grows in confidence, which is infectious. The Kenyan captain, Tikolo made many a tactical blunder. He brought on the wrong bowlers at the wrong time and paid dearly for it. The Kenyan batsmen, too, didn’t look confident while facing Srinath, Zaheer and Nehra, who bowled quick. Once Ravindu Shah played back at a fullish Zaheer Khan delivery, the others did not show much spunk to fight it out.

Be that as it may, Kenya’s performance in this tournament has been exemplary. Reaching the semis of the World Cup is a great achievement for a team who is short on experience and infrastructure. Well played, Kenya.