Tikolo annoyed by delay in going off for rain

GROS ISLET, St Lucia, Mar 21 (Reuters) Kenya captain Steve Tikolo was unhappy over his side being forced to bat on in persistent rain during their Group C defeat by New Zealand.

His batsmen went off twice for rain and although the game resumed quickly both times, the 35-year-old felt the umpires took too long in suspending play with New Zealand cruising in on a 148-run victory and Super Eight qualification.

''I thought we should have come off. But I don't want to get into controversies,'' the mainstay of four World Cups told a news conference yesterday.

Tensions were high in the middle because of the controversy, especially as New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming bowled part-time medium pacer Craig McMillan to rush through his overs and get to the 20 overs required to constitute a match.

In turn, the Kenyans took time going back and forth to the dressing room during the rain and were generally slow with their innings in a bid to frustrate the Kiwis and to boost their net run rate in case it is needed for deciding group positions.

''The pace of the game slowed down. For one reason or another there was a bit of gamesmanship,'' Fleming said.

DISAPPOINTING PERFORMANCE Tikolo was also upset by his team's display but was confident they could pose England a problem in the group's final match on Saturday, with the winner joining the Black Caps in the next stage.

''I thought it was a disappointing performance from us. We know we are capable of doing better than what we did today,'' he said.

''Initially in the field we dropped a number of catches and missed run out chances. If we had taken those we would probably be looking at a different story.

''Our chances are good (against England) if we do the basic things right,'' he said, before refusing to say which England weaknesses they would be targeting.

''I don't want to reveal that.'' Fleming though doubted the 2003 semi-finalists could win against England, despite the off-the-field problems surrounding Michael Vaughan's men.

''I'd be surprised but I've been surprised by a few of the results here already,'' he added.

The seven-week tournament culminates with the final in Barbados on April 28.

REUTERS PDS PM0610