Smith leads Bermuda's fightback

Kenya 403 for 6 and 85 for 1 lead Bermuda 346 for 9 (Smith 126*, Romaine 56, Minors 51) by 146 runs
Scorecard

Bermuda's captain Clay Smith led his country's fightback with an unbeaten century after they had looked dead and buried yesterday, but it seems unlikely to be enough to prevent Kenya moving into Thursday's final.

Bermuda were in trouble at 72 for 3 in reply to Kenya's 403 for 6, but Smith, who was given excellent back-up by Irvine Romaine and wicketkeeper Dean Minors, who both scored fifties, dealt well with an uninspired Kenyan attack. After struggling to 13 off as many overs with the loss of Cutis Jackson last night, Bermuda lost opener Kwame Tucker went early on, falling to Thomas Odoyo.

Romaine's and Saleem Mukuddem's third-wicket partnership added some respectability and obviously gave Bermuda confidence. At Mukeddem's wicket, Smith took the attack to the Kenyans and turned a one-sided match back into a contest. After Romaine fell for 56, Janeiro Tucker added a useful 30 from just 29 balls as Kenya continued to throw away advantage Tikolo had given them yesterday. Tucker's wicket brought no respite, Minors sustaining the fast-scoring with a run-a-ball 51, falling to Tikolo. Kenya's captain was on a hat-trick after Lionel Cann fell first ball, offering a return catch to Tikolo.

There was little to celebrate for the out-of-form Collins Obuya, one of the stars of Kenya's World Cup in 2003. He struggled for any consistency and took 0 for 74 off 14 overs. He is scheduled to spend some time in Australia working on his bowling when this tournament is over.

Kenya took a lead of 61 into the second innings, and although they lost Maurice Ouma before the close, it will take something remarkable on a good pitch for Bermuda to prevent them reaching the final.