Kenya robbed as Nepal proceed to Super League

In farcical proceedings at the Asgiriya International Stadium today, Nepal qualified for the Super League by virtue of a 14 run victory against a devastated Kenyan side.

Having bowled out Nepal for 107, Kenya contacted The Management Committee of the U-19 World Cup to clarify what was required for entry into the Super League. They were told that they needed to score the runs in just 17 overs. Thus the coach informed the players to attack the bowling right from start. In the rush to score quick runs, Kenya lost early wickets. Reduced to 44-5 in the eigth over, the coach informed the players to bat normally. It was too late. Kenya was eventually bowled out for 93.

However the regulations state that when points are equal, the first deciding factor should be the number of wins. If Kenya had won, they would have gone through to the Super League. Whilst the Kenya management will have to share some of the blame for this unfortunate incident for not clarifying the position earlier, The Management Committee too will have to accept responsibility for giving erroneous information at a such a crucial moment.

In another extraordinary incident, a Nepalese bowler broke the wicket in his delivery, dismissing Halali for a duck. When asked whether such an act was in the spirit of the game the Nepalese manger said, " technically such a dismissal is out. You have to understand such an action in a game of this importance."

However the batsmen was not warned first. Secondly the bails were broken with his right hand. Being a left arm bowler the Law stipulates that the left hand must break the wicket.

Nepal will now face England, Sri Lanka and either India or New Zealand.