One-day over India was not fixed, say Kenya

Kenya reacted angrily on Thursday to newspaper reports suggesting their shock victory over India during a triangular tournament in South Africa was being investigated for match-fixing.

Captain Maurice Odumbe and coach Sandip Patil spoke on their return after being knocked out of the event following five defeats in six matches against India and South Africa.

"India just didn't field their best bowlers, apparently having underestimated us," Odumbe and Patil told reporters on their arrival at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport when asked about the team's 70-run win over India at Port Elizabeth on Oct 17.

"Their coach (John Wright) chose to give other fellows the chance against us and he later accepted defeat.

"Even the mightiest sides are beaten by so-called minnows.

Kenya, who are not regarded as strong enough to play Tests, beat India after scoring 246 for six before dismissing Sourav Ganguly's side for 176.

Earlier India had beaten Kenya by 10 wickets and, when the two met a third time to decide who would meet the South Africans in the tournament final, India won by a massive 186 runs.

Newspaper reports in South Africa suggested the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit had asked for a tape of the match highlights a day after the game.

The ICC refused to comment on Thursday.

Odumbe added: "It was a good performance for our under-exposed team. We needed a win against such a top side."

India's tour of South Africa : Complete coverage

Mail Cricket Editor