Ashdod set up final with Lions Lod

For the third time this season, Ashdod A proved too strong for Ra'anana, winning the ICA Cup semi final played between the two teams in Ashdod on Friday by 46 runs. Ashdod were better in all departments and were worthy winners. However Ra'anana can feel that they lost the game more so than Ashdod won it, as they bowled 45 wides and then lost both opening batsmen to run outs.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Ashdod were 51 for 3 after 10 overs, but recovered nicely as Romi Chaulkar and Sharon Kalkatkar added 60 for the 4th wicket. Adrian Vard got two quick wickets to bring Ra'anana back into the game, and when Chaulkar was adjudged leg before to Gal Matz for a well played 41, Ashdod were 148 for 8. Danny Malyankar (20*) hit some lusty blows as the innings came to a close, and Ashdod would have been pleased with their 186. Nossi Tuch (4 for 47) was the most successful of the Ra'anana bowlers, although Vard (2 for 17) and Steven Shein (1 for 25) both bowled tightly.

Ra'anana's run chase began disastrously as first Arye Ziskind (6) and then Danny Hotz (5), were both run out. Both were as a result of excellent fielding as the Ashdod fielders scored direct hits on the stumps with their throws. David Silver and Adrian Vard began rebuilding the innings, before Silver was caught on the square leg fence off Hillel Awaskar for 21. Vard and Rafi Zauer enjoyed the best partnership for Ra'anana, but just as they looked to be dominating, Vard let himself down with a loose shot and was bowled for 30. Zauer, trying to force the pace, was caught for a well played 37, and although Danny Brill hit two sweet boundaries, he was bowled for 13 and the tail offered little resistance, as Ra'anana was dismissed for 140. Left arm spinner Awaskar was the pick of the Ashdod bowlers, bowling with discipline and guile to take 3 for 17, and Gershon Waskar took 3 for 33.

The final will be played this Saturday, with the venue to be announced during the week.