Cricket has always been a game of uncertainties and at times it becomes hard to believe the outcome of some matches. The encounter between two-times World Champion West Indies and Kenya in 1996 World Cup was one such memorable match. No one would have ever thought before the match that this game will gain a special place in the world cup history as Kenya stunned the mighty West Indian side by 73 runs in a low scoring match.
West Indies suffered one of the most humiliating defeats in world cup and that too from an associate nation - Kenya. Had it been from any established team it would not have gained much attention but for a team that had host of world-class performers - Brian Lara, Richie Richardson, Curtley Ambrose, Courtney Walsh etc, the defeat was painful.
While it was a big moment of celebration for Kenya, it was something that West Indies cricket would not like to remember. “I have no words right now,” said a dazed Richie Richardson, West Indies’ skipper at the time.
Match Summary
West Indies won the toss and elected to field first. The decision was justified by West Indian bowlers as Kenya were bowled out for just 166. With a world class batting line-up, weak Kenyan bowling attack and low target, it was a cake-walk for West Indies. However, destiny has planned something else for Kenya. West Indies inning started and first wicket came early with 18 on board. First to go was West Indian skipper Richardson followed by Sherwin Campbell, Lara and Arthurton in quick succession. West Indies were struggling at 35/4. Hopes were still alive as reliable Chanderpaul and Jimmy Adams were at the crease but it was the day of Kenyan bowlers led by Rajab Ali (3/17) and M Odumbe (3/15) who bowled out West Indian team for 93.
The low score of 166 turned out to be a mammoth target for West Indies in the end. It was a golden day in the history of Kenya Cricket. A victory lap, led by Man of the Match Maurice Odumbe, ensued. “It’s like winning the World Cup. It’s a dream come true. The West Indies are our idols, and to beat an idol is a great thing,” said Odumbe after the celebrations had subsided."We were going out for a picnic. It was only when they started losing wickets that we began to get serious," Kenyan captain Maurice Odumbe reflected.
Man of the match Odumbe later recalled an old incident."I met Lara at a match in England several years ago before he was in the West Indies team and asked for his autograph. He said he didn't have the time."When we beat them in the World Cup I went up to him and said: 'A few years ago I asked for your autograph and you wouldn't give it. Now I am saying you can have mine.'"
Sahir