Israel score narrow win in opener

The Israel U17 team followed up a poor batting performance with a good fielding display to edge a narrow 13-run win over Belgium in their opening game at the European Championships in Bologna.

Asked to bat in hot conditions, Israel made a disastrous start, slumping to 26 for 4 as a combination of indifferent shot selection and uneven bounce had Raz Ben Zaken (1), Shai Hayun (6), Gal Matz (0) and Yehuda Gordon (0) all dismissed.

Dani Hotz (22) played some good strokes and seemed to be in top form before falling victim to a ball which kept awfully low and crashed into the base of his stumps having bounced half way down the pitch.

Ronen Waskar (11) played patiently, Yaniv Razpurker (11) was more aggressive, but Israel were guilty of not even batting out their allotted 35 overs, dismissed for a paltry 111. Nirvam Shah (4 for 18) bowled particularly well for the Belgian team.

Defending such a low score was always going to take a special effort, and Israel began on the right foot, with Razpurker taking 3 wickets in an aggressive opening spell. Adiel Changawker then took over, bowling a perfect line and length, taking 3 for 11 in a 6 over spell. One of the wickets came with the assistance of a spectacular diving catch by Razpurker in the gulley.

Matz chipped in with two wickets, and suddenly Belgium were 86 for 9. The Israelis were made to work hard for victory however, as the Belgian last pair put on a brave fight. Changawker returned however to claim the last wicket with the score on 98, and secure the win.

Israel plays Italy tomorrow, with a win crucial to both sides championship aspirations. On Sunday Italy beat Belgium by a comfortable margin.