Batting fails again as Israel lose narrowly to Gibraltar

The Israel bowlers once again almost managed to save their batsmen's blushes, but Gibraltar held on for a nailbiting two wicket win in a dramatic game, unfortnuately marred by poor umpiring, at the European U19 Championships in Jersey. Batting first, Israel collapsed to 113 all out, before reducing Gibraltar to 50 for 7 in reply, as the pendulum swung from side to side.

Israel's top order have failed in the previous two games, and against a disciplined Gibraltar attack were in ealry trouble with Reuven Bergman (0) and Gabi Schachat (3) out early. Opener Shlomi Korman anchored the innings well, losing Shai Hayun (12) run out, Raz Ben Zaken (13), bowled playing a rash shot, Oren Chincholkar (9) and Matan Razpurker (2) before falling himself for a patient 31 with the score on 110. Apart from Solomon Varsulkar (14) the tail were unable to contribute much and Israel were all out for just 113 in the 38th over.

The wicket parade continued at the start of the Gibraltar reply as Korman took three wickets in a fantastic spell of medium pace bowling to have Gibraltar reeling at 8 for 3. That soon became 13 for 4, as the first of too many dubious decisions was given and Israel were rewarded a run out when the bowler had clearly knocked the wicket with his hand without the ball. Spinners Raz Ben Zaken and Solomon Varsulkar picked up three wickets between them to leave Gibraltar 50 for seven, which should have been eight when the Gibraltar number nine was brilliantly caught by Bergman at short cover off Varsulkar, given out and then very inexplicably called back with the reason given that a close catcher had been moving. The tension continued as after a short break for rain a blatant caught behind off Schachat was given not out and a few balls later Schachat raced to collect a caught and bowled chance and collided with the batsman attempting a run. A more obvious case of obstructing the field would be difficult to find.

Israel then benefited from another run out, leaving Gibraltar 79 for 8. But with the tension mounting, the Israel bowlers lost their focus and were guilty of bowling too many wides, allowing Gibraltar to seal a two wicket win thanks almost entirely to a brilliant undefeated 58 by their captain Kieran Mirpori.

Apart from the decisions that went against them, Israel had only themselves to blame for dropping Mirpori early in his innings, and not scoring enough runs with the bat. Korman returned the brilliant figures of 9-5-12-3, Varsulkar was again at his best taking two for 11 in 10 overs with six maidens, and Ben Zaken took 1 for 26.

Israel plays Belgium tomorrow in their final game of the tournament.