Israel open U19 tourney with big win over Germany

Israel spinners Solomon Varsulkar and Raz Ben Zaken shared four wickets a piece as Israel defeated Germany by 136 runs today in their opening match at the European 2nd Division U19 Championships being played in Jersey. Germany were well set at one stage at 80 for none after 30 overs, chasing 233, but the introduction of left armer Varsulkar and off spinner Ben Zaken changed the match dramatically, as 10 wickets fell for just 17 runs.

Asked to bat first in overcast conditions at the FB Fields, Israel were given a solid start by openers Reuven Bergman and Shlomi Korman, with the first wicket falling at 47 when Korman (9) was bowled leaving a straight delivery. Bergman played some excellent shots before falling for 23, with the score on 82. Shai Hayun (10), Ronen Waskar (0), and Raz Ben Zaken (9) all failed, but Gabi Schachat (30) played patiently before captain Oren Chincholkar (41) and Eyal Matz (26*) gave the innings impetus towards the end to take the Israel total past the 230 mark.

Whilst both Chincholkar and Schachat failed to bowl with the required control from one end, Korman was very disciplined with the new ball from the other side, conceding just 9 runs in his 6 overs. However the Germans were looking comfortable against the medium pacers, if not managing to score at the required rate. But an evenly balanced game quickly swung Israel's way, as a run out was followed by a flood of wickets. Varsulkar took 4 for 15 in 10 overs, and Ben Zaken 4 for 17 in 9. They were backed up by excellent wicket keeping by Hayun and good high catches in the outfield by Korman and Matan Razpurker.

The Israel side dedicated the win to former Israel player and umpire Benzie Kehimkar, who passed away tragically last week, aged 42.

Israel plays the Isle of Man tomorrow where a far stiffer challenge can be expected.