Potchefstroom (South Africa), Feb 12: Herschelle Gibbs savaged the Kenyan attack today as South Africa raced to a 10-wicket victory over Kenya in their World Cup clash at the North-West Stadium. Gibbs scored an unbeaten 87, including 12 fours and four sixes, as the South Africans reached their target in the 22nd over. Gary Kirsten was a touch more sedate, but he, too, scored a half-century, reaching 52 off 63 balls with nine fours. It was pretty much over as a contest after Lance Klusener ripped out the heart of the Kenyan lower order as South Africa dismissed Kenya for 140 in 38 overs. Gibbs and Kirsten were then dismissive in chasing down the very small victory target. Gibbs was particularly severe on the Kenyan attack, which seemed unable to find a consistent line or length.
He took just 66 balls to reach his 83, and played shots all around the wicket. There were some edgy strokes in his innings, but he never looked in any danger of being dismissed.
Klusener, whose big hitting 57 against the West Indies took South Africa to within four runs of victory on the opening day, has struck form just at the right time, and he took four wickets for just 16 runs in eight tight overs.
Bureau Report