Bangladesh through to semifinals

Bangladesh beat Kenya convincingly at Matara today in the Plate Championship of the Under-19 World Cup.

After winning the toss Bangladsh took first lease of the wicket and were bowled out for 198 in 50 overs. In reply Kenya were bowled out for just 73 in 37.3 overs.

The Bangladesh batsmen did not make full use of the good batting conditions. M.D. Kalim top scored with 28 while seven other batsmen reached double figures.

Kenya's captain, Muhammad Sheikh, was the pick of the Kenyan bowlers. Bowling orthodox left arm spin from the Hospital end he picked up 4-37 from his 10 over spell.

Kenya, without a win in this tournament, played indifferent cricket. None of their batsmen were able to establish themselves and as a result the team never threatened Bangladesh's total.

The Kenyan openers started cautiously, scoring just 17 runs from the first ten overs. The other batsmen also struggled against some accurate bowling by the Bangladesh bowlers. Losing wickets at regular intervals, the Kenyans collapsed to 73 all out. Bhudia was the top scorer with just 16.

The stars of the Bangladesh bowling were A. Hossain who picked up 3- 21, Hannan Sarker with 2 for 17 and Mossadek Hossain who chipped in with a couple of wickets.

With this loss Kenya go out of the Plate Championship. Bangladesh meanwhile have joined South Africa, Zimbabwe and Ireland in the semifinals.