Then they had to wait for the United Arab Emirates to defeat Canada in a high scoring match to be sure of gaining the Island's fourth appearance in the tournament's final four.

A Canada win yesterday would have left open the possibility of a three-way tie, with Bermuda then having to beat UAE in tomorrow's last quarter final match to secure a spot.

Instead, the win puts Bermuda just one step away from securing one of three ICC places in cricket's 1996 World Cup.

In yesterday's match, Bermuda responded well to the challenge of chasing 202 set by Ireland yesterday, despite losing key batsman Dexter Smith for nine, his lowest score so far. However, Clay Smith (89) and Charlie Marshall (62 not out) set up the victory and Arnold Manders contributed 17 not out when he and Marshall reached the target with 4.1 overs remaining.

Earlier, veteran all-rounder Noel Gibbons led the Bermuda bowling with three for 33 while Anthony (Pacer) Edwards claimed two for 33 and Clevie Wade and Bruce Perinchief one wicket apiece.

With one final round of quarter final matches remaining and the four semifinalists already determined -- hosts Kenya and top seeds Holland advanced from the other group -- tomorrow's matches will only determine the final group placings and subsequently the semifinal match-ups.

The winners of one group play the runner-up of the other.

The winners of the semifinals and the third place team -- decided by a consolation match -- then go to the World Cup.

See Page 13 for full report.