Israel falter against Norway

Israel's disrupted tour of Scotland finally got underway on Saturday, but the team was soundly beaten by Norway at New Anniesland, Glasgow by 91 runs. Batting first having won the toss, Norway amassed 282 for 5 in their 50 overs, to which Israel replied with 191 for 9. Adrian Vard scored his first international half century, finishing not out on 54.

Israel knew what to expect having lost heavily to the Norwegians two years ago, but that still didn't prevent Norway piling up the runs. Opening batsman Zaheer Ashiq (57) and S Sachdev (53) added 89 for the third wicket, before captain Zeeshan Ali scored 90* to take Norway to 282. Isaac Talkar (0 for 46) bowled impressively in his debut match, but Sanjay Gupta (1 for 32) was the pick of the bowlers.

Israel's reply was soon in tatters with Lushenko Perreira (1), Hillel Awasker (0) and Isaac Massil (7) all out with just 21 on the board. To their credit, Israel did not cave in and collapse, as Dovi Myers (14) and Gupta (26) tried to reconstruct the innings. Raymond Aston (29) played a useful innings as well, but it was Vard who made the highest contribution, sharing a 62-run stand for the 10th wicket with Talkar (19*) to at least give Israel some respectability.

Despite the threats from Moslem organizations to disrupt the game, only 70 protestors arrived, who were easily outnumbered by a heavy police presence.