Smith leads Bermuda's fightback

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

Ayo Johnson

25-Oct-2005

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

Clay Smith © ICC

Skipper Clay Smith stroked an unbeaten century as Bermuda hit back in style against Kenya on day two of their semi-final clash. Smith, following in the footsteps of opposite number Steve Tikolo, lead by exampled with 126 as his side notched up 346-9, 57 runs of Kenya's massive opening day total.

Dean Minors (51) and Irving Romaine (56) also did their bit as Bermuda recovered from 72-3 to post an admirable score at the end of their allotted 90 overs. 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. Smith then 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 and then Minors sustained the fast-scoring with 51 in 53 balls before falling to Tikolo. Kenya's captain.

Kenya then had 26 overs at the end of the day and although Lionel Cann had Maurie Ouma caught behind on 23, Kenya knocked up 85-1 to leave them 142 runs ahead overnight. On a benign wicket, Bermuda will have to do something special with the ball if they are to going to claw their way into the final.