Israel juniors secure silver

With the gold medal safely won by South Africa, attention on the final day of competition in the junior tournament was focused on the Israel - Australia match.

Israel Cricket Association

22-Jul-2005

Israel and Australia shake hands after their match © Israel Cricket

With the gold medal safely won by South Africa, attention on the final day of competition in the junior tournament was focused on the Israel - Australia match. Australia, needing not only to win but also to win by a big margin to have a superior run rate than Israel and finish in second place, won the toss and decided to field first, meaning that they would be able to chase knowing exactly how many overs they would need to reach their target in. Israel's innings didn't start well, with openers Shai Hayun (4) and Dani Hotz (12) out early. Safania Naguakar (16) and Ronen Waskar (19) stabilized the innings with a partnership of 49, laying the foundation for the middle order to take Israel to 181. Gal Matz (28), Oren Chincholkar (27), Alex Ozer (18) and Maor Shmuel (16) all contributed. David Leiboff (3 for 27) was the leading wicket taker, but leg spinner Marc Soffer really impressed, taking 1 for 15 in 10 overs.

Needing to reach their target in 30 overs, Australia began their innings in aggressive style. Matz got the initial breakthrough, bowling Adam Ezekiel, who plays for New South Wales U17, for 11. Mark Soffer was promoted to number 3, and together with Leiboff really began piling on the runs and putting Israel under pressure. Adiel Changuakar finally broke the partnership as Leiboff (32) was well caught by Shmuel. Spinners Ronen Waskar and Solomon Varsulkar were then introduced into the attack, and the match quickly swung Israel's way as Soffer, chosen as man of the match, was out for 45. Waskar (4 for 25) and Varsulkar (3 for 25) ran through the middle and lower order, with Australia all out for 138.