Cricket-Kenya win toss, field against New Zealand

GROS ISLET, St Lucia, Mar 20 (Reuters) Kenya captain Steve Tikolo won the toss and asked New Zealand to bat in a World Cup Group C match today.

The Kiwis dispensed with their twin spin bowling attack and brought in paceman Michael Mason for Jeetan Patel. Kenya also made one change with Lameck Onyango coming in for bowler Nehemiah Odhiambo, who was ineffective against Canada.

A victory for New Zealand would put them into the Super Eights while a Kenya win would make Group C extremely complex with the Africans facing England in the last group game on Saturday.

St Lucia's Beausejour Cricket Ground was practically empty for the match.

Teams: New Zealand - Lou Vincent, Stephen Fleming (captain), Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Craig McMillan, Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum (wicketkeper), Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Shane Bond, Michael Mason.

Kenya - Maurice Ouma (wicketkeeper), David Obuya, Ravi Shah, Steve Tikolo (captain), Tanmay Mishra, Collins Obuya, Thomas Odoyo, Jimmy Kamande, Lameck Onyango, Peter Ongondo, Hiren Varaiya.

Reuters SAM VV1922