Cricket: Kenya set tough target for Ireland

Ireland's chances of qualifying for the 1999 World Cup look to rest on a successful play-off victory after Kenya set them a stiff total in yesterday's ICC Trophy semi-final in Kuala Lumpur.

Kenya, with their captain, Maurice Odumbe, again in sparkling form, hit 215 for 8 in their 50 overs before a downpour brought an end to the day's play.

When the side met in the group matches last week Ireland managed only 128, losing by 119 runs, and in the competition no team has managed to score more than 154 against Kenya.

The top three teams in the tournament qualify for the World Cup to be held in England. The losers of this match will play off for third place against either Scotland or Bangladesh, who meet tomorrow.

Kenya, put in to bat, were always in command with Kennedy Otieno, at No 3, scoring 51 and Odumbe making 67. Obuya was caught by Andrew Patterson off Paul McCrum, who finished with 4 for 51.