India has finally registered its first win in the World Cup Cricket 1999. It defeated Kenya by a handsome margin of 94 runs to get two match points and open its account at Bristol on May 23.

Spearheaded by a scintillating knock of 140 runs made from just 101 balls by the master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, India effectively batted Kenya out of the match. The Indian score of 329 was the highest ever by India in a one day match and the first time that India crossed the 300 run mark in the World Cup.

Sachin did not open the innings for India. That was done by S Ramesh and S. Ganguly. Sachin came to bat after the fall of the second wicket.

The huge total was made possible by a sterling knock of 104 by Dravid off just 109 balls and also a firm 44 from Sadagopan Ramesh. While Sachin's was the first century of this World Cup, Dravid's was the second.

India did not play Anil Kumble and Venkatesh Prasad, both being on the injury list. Robin Singh made way for Tendulkar. Consequently, the Indian bowling attack was infirm and in reply the Kenyans reached a respectable 235 in 50 overs at the loss of nine wickets. Yes, the Indian bowling needs quite some improvement, and the bounty of wides and no balls to the opposition is to be avoided.

Sachin came to play in this match despite his recent bereavement in the cause of the country. His very presence boosted the Indian morale.

This match has given India two points in the bag. The next Indian match is against Sri Lanka on May 26 and the final league match of India is against England on May 29. Sachin Tendulkar, with his 140 not out has served notice that the Indian side can no longer be taken lightly.

Indian fielding also caused concern in this match and unnecessary runs were given away.

It now seems that there is new hope for the Indian team which has got a high net run rate. Even if India's points are tied with, say, England, the net run rate can see India through to the super six.

Of course, the Indian fans would like the Indian team to win both its matches against Sri lanka and England and walk into the super six on the strength of six match points.

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