The World Cup semi-final between India and Kenya is expected to start in Durban in four hours' time as scheduled, but the match is likely to be affected by rain.

A spokesperson for the weather bureau in Durban said there are 50 per cent chances of rain affecting the match later on Thursday.

It rained heavily last night and in the early hours of Thursday, but the skies now appear to be clearing, brightening prospects of the match starting as scheduled.

KwaZulu-Natal cricket's CEO Cassim Docrat, who is in charge of the New Kingsmead cricket stadium in Durban, said the pitch has been well-protected and only the outfield is a bit damp.

In case play is not possible, the match will held on Friday, the reserve day. In the event of no play even on the reserve day, India will proceed to the final as they had defeated Kenya earlier in the Super Six stage.

Undeterred cricket fans are already making their way to the ground with umbrellas and other rain wear. More than 20,000 people are expected to pack the stadium by late evening.