South Africa have already qualified for the World Cup semi-finals while Zimbabwe are almost there, leaving two sub-continent teams - India and Pakistan and two from down under - Australia and New Zealand - fighting for the remaining two positions.

By last night, Pakistan may have gone through if they had defeated Zimbabwe in yesterday's clash. A reverse result would inflict a damaging blow to their chances.

India, who displayed the most composure and resolve to win a highly-prized battle against arch- rivals Pakistan on Tuesday, are in a tight corner and will need to improve their run-rate, and defeat New Zealand today, to squeeze into the last four.

The India-Pakistan duel provided a truly "carnival of cricket" atmosphere and there was no anticipated fury during the proceedings. Fans from the two sides even found time to mingle and share a bite.

In Nairobi, most of the cricket clubs facilitated their members and guests viewing of the much-publicised clash on large screens.

An Indo-Pakistan clash always generates a lot of interest particularly because of a large population of sub-continent expatriates here.

Kenya was ejected from the carnival after losing all five matches. Although Kenyans had managed to score 200-plus in four matches, the margin of defeats were quite heavy.

It is wise to accept the heavy defeats and do something about them than deny and do nothing.

Kenya's seam attack was toothless. Ace spinner Asif Karim also took the beating like Shane Warne of Australia and Mutiah Murilitharan - two of world's most feared - did.

In a nutshell, the English wickets were not responsive to spinners, with some of the teams going into matches without spinners.

In the meantime, Karim has not declared his retirement. His term as captain has expired and will probably be renewed when the Selectors next meet.

This is because of his long-standing experience and that vice-captain Maurice Odumbe may have lost interest in re-capturing the leadership.

When Karim could not lead the team (due to injury) in one of the warm-ups in England, Odumbe was asked to take over.

But, I understand, Odumbe told the tour management to groom somebody else. Steve Tikolo was asked to lead, a job he did willingly and with enthusiasm.

It could be that Odumbe, one of the finest all-rounders, wants to concentrate on his batting and bowling without additional responsibilities. This cricketer has done a sterling job for Kenya and his Aga Khan team.

Meanwhile, KCA boss Jimmy Rayani has said his committee will take necessary action to close-in the gap after receiving reports from the tour management.

He expressed concern over the weak bowling department while praising some batsmen whom, he said, could withstand any pressure.

But the question is when will the KCA receive reports? It is already over 10 days since Kenya was knocked out of the tournament.

I understand coach Alvin Kallicharana has not yet returned while tour manager Harilal Shah is still in London.

It is the responsibility of the tour management to provide reports within a time frame which must be set by the KCA. They go there on assignments, not leisure!

Comments\Views about this article