Kampala — The national U-19 cricket team has qualified for the World Cup finals to be held in Bangladesh in January and February next year. The Ugandans beat Kenya in the first semi-final played in Windhoek, Namibia by four wickets. The Kenyans batted first and scored 132-all out. Patrick Ochan was the pick of the bowlers grabbing four wickets.

Uganda bypassed Kenya's total with more than eight-overs to spare, winning by four wickets. Uganda Sports Press Association Sportsman of the month September was the top scorer with 49-runs not out. He shared a 55-run partnership with Raymond Otim. On top of his 49-runs, he picked two wickets and was declared man of the match. Arthur Kyobe was the second highest scorer with 48-runs.

Robert Kisubi, an official of the Uganda Cricket Association, who travelled with the team to Namibia told The Monitor on phone that the boys have done the country proud.

" Uganda has never qualified for anything. This is history. We are now looking to play against countries like Australia, India, Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa, Sri Lanka and New Zealand next year," Kisubi said.

Uganda will meet Papua New Guinea who beat Namibia by four wickets. Namibia batted first and scored 239 all out and in reply Papua New Guinea put on 243 for six, with ten overs to spare. The final takes place today. The tournament attracted eight teams, which were divided into two groups of four.

Uganda topped Group A which included Zambia, Papua New Guinea and Nigeria while Group B had Kenya, Tanzania, Fiji and hosts Namibia.