Kenya Under 19s have almost certainly booked themselves a place in the semi finals of the Africa Zone World cup qualifiers with a 56 run win over Ghana yesterday. Batting first, the Kenyans were all out for 277 in 49.1 overs. Most of the Kenyan batsmen got starts, but only Rakep Patel was able to convert his into a half century. He top scored with 57 ahead of Prashant Srinivas (41) and Samarth Patel (36).
Pick of the bowling for Ghana was J Vifah who picked up 4/41 off his nine overs.

In reply, Ghana were restricted by some tight bowling from the Kenyans, with Rohit Vekaria (10-0-23-3) and Rakep Patel (10-2-29-2) in particular putting the pressure on. Vifah did give his team some hope with a blustery 53 off 44 balls, but it was to be in vain as Ghana ended their innings on 221.

This win means that Kenya are almost certain to qualify for the semi finals ahead of Namibia, who breezed past Zambia by 7 wickets. Kenya now sit top of Group A with 4 points ahead of Zambia, who Kenya play today and are on 2 along with Namibia, who should beat bottom placed Ghana (0).

Should Kenya top their Group, their semi final opponents are likely to be Tanzania, who bounced back from their first up loss to Uganda with a tight win over Botswana. The two currently share 2nd place in the Group, but Tanzania face the easier match against bottom placed Nigeria, who lost to Uganda by 283 runs yesterday. Botswana face Uganda in an encounter that should see the latter finish top of the group.

Teams have a rest day tomorrow before the semis and play offs on the 29th and the finals and lower placing deciders on the 30th. For Kenya, it is a case of two down, three to go.