Obuya - injury doubt (Getty Images)

By Myles Hodgson, PA Sport, Durban

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Kenya are looking to revel in their role as underdogs again and claim another scalp as they face India for a place in Sunday's World Cup final at the Wanderers.

Victories over Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe coupled with the points from New Zealand's decision not to play their preliminary round match in Nairobi for security reasons have enabled Kenya to become the first non-Test-playing country to reach this stage of the competition.

They have confounded critics and predictions with their happy brand of cricket which has established them as the people's favourites.

It is a role they enjoy and relish and are determined to employ the same approach despite the importance of the occasion.

"We've always been treated as underdogs so it's nothing new for us and it is a lot easier to be put in that position," conceded coach Sandeep Patil, a member of India's successful 1983 World Cup-winning squad.

"We are aware of India's strength and we respect that but it's just bat against ball. I want us to focus on what we're supposed to do - we have our worries and I'm sure India have their game-plans."

Patil, whose success with Kenya has prompted rumours that he may return home and be used in some capacity by the Indian Cricket Board, will attempt to focus his side by emphasising the resolve and determination they used to reach this stage of the tournament.

"Since we entered this tournament we've tried to improve in every game," said Patil. "They've shown a lot of character which is very important if you're going to play this game at the highest level.

"For example losing three wickets in one over against Australia and coming back to build a partnership, the way they fought back to get five wickets after the way Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist started off - it hasn't just happened in one game either, it's happened throughout the tournament."

Kenya, though, enter the most important match in their history with injury problems affecting three key players with all-rounder Maurice Odumbe struggling with a groin strain while pace bowler Martin Suji has a hamstring problem.

Perhaps their biggest potential loss, though, could be opener Kennedy Obuya who has a badly bruised elbow.

"We can't say at this stage that any of them are 100% fit and we're keeping our fingers crossed that all these guys will be able to play," added Patil.

"We're not using this as an excuse and we hope they are match fit."

At least the Kenya line-up that takes the field at Kingsmead for unquestionably the biggest game of their careers will be cheered on by a sizeable contingent from home after their families finally won a week-long battle to secure visas which have enabled them to travel to South Africa.

"Our families have supported us through and through," explained captain Steve Tikolo. "We've been away from them for quite a long time and they've been understanding and it's nice for them to get the visas and be able to watch the World Cup semi-final."