KUALA LUMPUR. Apr 3: Bangladesh, who are tipped to become the next Test-playing nation, are under immense pressure to book a place in the last four of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Trophy here, reports AFP.

Unbeaten Bangladesh come up against Holland here Friday in their last second round Group F game.

It will be crucial match for both sides with the winner pro-gressing into the semi finals — if Ireland defeat Hong Kong in the other game in The same group.

"I can live with it if we lose, but 1 don't think it will be the same for the Bangladeshi players. It is virtually a life or death

England in two years time.

One of the most talented sides among the 22 associate member countries and territories, Bangladesh have never ever made it to a World Cup, the closest they came was in 1982 and 1990 when on both occasions they were beaten by Zim-

protest, but it was unsuccessful. It will all now boil down to the game against Holland on Fri-

Bangladesh and Ireland head Group F presently with three points each while Holland and Hong Kong have one apiece. Rank outsiders Hong Kong could surprise everyone and enter the semifinals if they beat the Irish and hope the Bangladeshis manage to stay cool and keep their unbeaten record in this tournament.

In Group E. Kenya and Scotland, who meet Friday, are on three points each, while Denmark and Canada have one point each. Kenya and Scotland are tipped to move on from this group, with the winner going

AKRAM KHAN situation for them," said a Dutch player. Wednesday, which is a rest day.

Bangladesh face enormous pressure to qualify for the 1999 World Cup from their cricket -crazy fans back home. When they failed to achieve this target during the ICC Trophy in Kenya in 1994. the entire nation sunk in a sea of afflictions.

All the Bangladesh players admit in private that they are afraid to go back home if they fail in their quest to become one of the three teams here, which qualify for the World Cup in

babwe in the semifinals of the ICC Trophy.

Since 1994. associate members have been assigned three places in the World Cup. last time the United Arab Emirates. Kenya and Holland qualified. This time around, the race is still open for any number of teams — thanks to the disruptive weather.

Rain forestalled Bangladesh's bid to book their semifinal berth Wednesday when the game against Ireland was called off with the Bangladeshi very much in a winning position.

Having bowled the Irish out for 129. Bangladesh were 23 for no loss when rain halted play. It was resumed, but after just three deliveries, the umpires abandoned the game, despite the vehement protests of the Bangladesh players.

Team officials later lodged a

TIM DE LEEDE through on points while the loser of this match qualifies on a superior run rate.

GROUP F STANDINGS

M W L T P

Bangladesh 2 10 13

Ireland 2 10 13

Holland 2 0 111

Hong Kong 2 0 111

TODAY'S ICC TIES

Bangladesh vs Holland Ireland vs Hong Kong Kenya vs Scodand Denmark vs Canada