Bangladesh overcome inspired Isaneez to reach semis

Bangladesh sealed their place in the semi-finals of the Plate Championship with a quick four-wicket win against Uganda at Chittagong. The pace of Nazmul Hossain and the spin of Enamul Haque jnr combined effectively to prove too much for Uganda, and secure Bangladesh's progression through to the next stage.

After Uganda won the toss and elected to bat, Hossain made early inroads, taking five of the top six wickets as Uganda slumped to 38 for 6. Haque then finished off Uganda's crumbling resistance by grabbing the four remaining wickets. Uganda were all out for 78 from 33.3 overs with Hossain claiming 5 for 30, and Haque finishing with 4 for 18.

For the second match in a row, however, Bangladesh made hard work of a simple run-chase. This time it was Uganda's Emmanuel Isaneez who caused the problems, as he dismissed all six of the Bangladesh top order. Isaneez finished with the impressive figures of 6 for 37, but it wasn't enough to prevent Bangladesh reaching the target in 19.5 overs.

Despite Uganda's defeat, Isaneez was named Man of the Match. His bowling figures were the second best in the tournament behind Zimbabwe's Tishane Panyangara and the third best in the history of the event. "I was very happy with the way that I bowled today," said Isaneez. "This is the first time I have ever achieved six wickets in an innings."

Meanwhile, Richard McInnes, Bangladesh's coach, knows his side will have to bat better in the group decider against Ireland in two days time."Our bowlers are doing well, but I'm worried about our batsmen," he admitted. "They are playing badly and I'm not happy, but if they can rediscover their form from earlier in the tournament I am confident we can reach the Plate Championship final."