Israel defeat Croatia to regain European Division 2 status

The Israel senior team easily overcame Croatia in a European play-off game in Zagreb on Sunday, winning by six wickets. Israel received the right to challenge the Croatians to the Division 2 play-off after having won the Division 3 tournament held in Spain last year.

Israel skipper Herschel Gutman won the toss and elected to bowl after the start had been delayed due to wet conditions, and the game reduced to 36 overs accordingly. The Israel opening bowlers Eliezer Samson and David Massil both bowled extremely tightly, and after 15 overs the Croatians had hardly scored more than 1 run an over.

As they attempted to up the tempo, wickets began to tumble with spinner Steven Shein finishing with 5 for 27 as the hosts managed just 96 for 9 in their allotted overs. Israel began their innings positively, and skipper Gutman made sure there was only one team in it with an aggressive 47*, as Israel sealed a comprehensive 6-wicket win.

Gutman was understanably delighted with the win, saying 'this victory is the culmination of a long summer for the team, which started with good results at the Maccabiah, winning the tournament in Spain and now doing what was required here. The boys have gelled into a tight unit, and hopefully we can continue producing positive results next year against stronger opposition'.