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Kenya Thrash West Indies

Pune, India, Thursday - Kenya thrashed West Indies by 73 runs on Thursday in one of the most sensational World Cup matches ever played.

Kenya were restricted to a modest 166 but then bundled out the former champions for just 93 to set off a night of celebrations in Pune.

The result rivals Zimbabwe's victory over Australia in their first World Cup match at the 1983 tournament.

Maurice Odumbe, who is leading the non-Test minnows at their first World Cup, said after doing a lap of honour in front of 5,000 fans at the Nehru stadium: ``It's like winning the World Cup. It's a dream come true.

``West Indies are our idols, and to beat an idol is a great thing. We came to the World Cup with a promise that we could play. I think we proved it today.

``We have created history and I think the future is bright.

``The turning point was when we got Brian Lara. It has been said that when Lara goes, the West Indies look shaky. That's what happened today. We put a little extra pressure and it helped,'' Odumbe said.

His West Indies counterpart Richie Richardson could only confess his bitter disappointment at the pathetic batting display by his team.

Odumbe played a captain's role, taking three wickets for 15 runs from 10 steady overs of off-spin. Seamer Rajab Ali grabbed three for 17 -- including the prized scalp of Brian Lara. Ali sent his team- mates into wild jubilation by bowling last man Cameron Cuffy.

None of the West Indies batsmen could settle against the tight bowling backed by outstanding fielding.

Lara struggled to make eight, surviving a run out chance on four. Left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul's sedate 19 was the top score.

Just 5,000 spectators were at hand to applaud a lap of honour by the Kenyans around the Nehru stadium to celebrate their finest hour.

And the unexpected victory threw open the race for the last quarter-final place from the six-team group.

Kenya, West Indies and Zimbabwe all have two points from four games, and any one could now join Sri Lanka, Australia and India in the quarter finals.

All three have tough final matches - Zimbabwe and West Indies play Australia, while Kenya travel to Kandy to take on Sri Lanka. West Indies take on Australia in Jaipur on Monday. Kenya play Sri Lanka on March 6.

The defeat added to the woes of the beleaguered West Indies captain, already under attack from his predecessor Vivian Richards for lacking leadership qualities.

The dejected Richardson said: ``I am very, very disappointed.''

``My congratulations to Kenya for winning a very important match. We did not play the way we should have. I am very, very disappointed. I have nothing more to add to that.''

His bowlers sent down 14 wides and 13 no balls in 35 extras, which were the largest contributor to Kenya's modest total after Richardson won the toss and elected to field.