Bermuda's hopes to enter ICC Cup final dashed by rain

Nairobi, Nov 9 (UNI) Bermuda's already slim chances of making to the final of the ICC Intercontinental Cup 2006 were ruined as heavy rain washed away their four-day game against Kenya here.

Heavy rain over the past few days did not allow play to resume on the third and fourth days after inclement weather forced play to call off early on the second day on Monday.

Bermuda now have just three points to their credit when they needed 20 and now they lie an impossible 37 points adrift of Group B leaders Canada.

Although Kenya had a first innings lead at the Gymkhana Cricket Club, the hosts were already out of contention as they finished third with nine points from three games and they cannot trouble the group leaders.

The only team that can now move ahead of Canada is the Netherlands. If they win their two remaining games outright (against Bermuda on November 21-24 and against Canada on December 5-8, both in Pretoria, South Africa), they will top the group.

Otherwise it will be Canada which will play the winners of Group A in the final, at a time and venue to be determined later.

Bermuda were 19 for two when inclement weather stopped play on the second-day, still 52 runs behind Kenya's first innings score of 205.

Earlier, Bermuda were dismissed for just 133 in the first innings with most of their batsmen getting starts but none being able to kick on once they got established.

Right-arm fast bowler Odoyo was the pick of the Kenyan attack, ending up with figures of 5-21 off 11 overs including four maidens.

In reply, Steve Tikolo (66) and Tanmay Mishra (54) did most of the damage, putting on 89 for the fourth wicket to ease the home team past Bermuda's score. But after that, the Bermudan bowlers got their side back into contention and dismissed the last six Kenya batsmen for just 41 runs.

Canada now sit on top of Group B on a maximum of 40 points from two matches.

Brief scores: (Bermuda first innings 133 all out: C Smith 25, D Minors 28, Odoyo 5 for 21.

Kenya first innings: 205 all out, Steve Tikolo 66, Tanmay Mishra 54.

Bermuda second iinings: 19 for two) UNI XC PDS DS1350