Bermuda must beat Afghanistan today if they are to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2011 Cricket World Cup alive.

Defeat would almost certainly spell disaster for Gus Logie's men after they crumbled to a disappointing four wicket defeat at the hands of the United Arab Emirates yesterday.

Only the top four in the tournament qualify for the World Cup and with strong sides such as the Netherlands and Kenya still to play, Bermuda can ill-afford another loss.

The Island's One-Day International status is also under-threat, with only the top six teams being granted ODI status and all the benefits, financial and otherwise, that go with it.

First though they must bring an end to Afghanistan's fairytale journey, which is far from an easy task if the war-torn countries five wicket demolition of Denmark yesterday is anything to go by.

The Royal Gazette website will be carrying ball-by-ball coverage of this vital encounter on www.theroyalgazette.com, with full match report and reaction in tomorrow's newspaper.