NAIROBI. Mar 2: A majestic 158 not out by Maurice Odumbe earned Kenya a place at the next Cricket World Cup in 1996 as they beat Bermuda by 64 runs in the first semifinal of the ICC Trophy on Tuesday, reports Reuter.

The Kenyans will face the wlryiers of Thursday’s second semifinal between Holland and the United Arab Emirates in Sunday's final, but Bermuda could still' qualify for the main event.

There are three places allocated to ICC Trophy teams at the 1996 tournament, to be filled by the two finalists and the winners of the third place play-off.

Odumbe s century was the lynchpin of Kenya's 50-over total of 318 for five after they had won the toss on a pitch made for batting.

Two early run outs set the home team back but a third wicket stand of 142 in 117 balls between Odumbe and Steve Tlkolo. who made 67. settled Kenyan nerves.

Odumbe surged to his second century tn three matches, facing only 137 balls and hitting 11 fours and three sixes.

He then took three wickets for 49 as Bermuda replied with 254 for nine in their 50 overs and had no rivals as man-of-the-match.

Clay Smith hit 108 from 96 halls for Bermuda, but his innings ended in controversial fashion.

Sweeping at left arm spin ner Asif Karim. Smith was adjudged lbw by Namibian umpire Louis Van Reenen although the ball appeared to be missing leg stump by some way.

Smith ran down the pitch to remonstrate with Van Reenen and only left the crease after much argument. He was duly reported for misconduct by the umpire to ICC match referee. Berney Miller.