Israel tie with Germany in nailbiter

Israel and Germany tied a remarkable game of cricket at the European U17 2nd Division Championships in Bochum today. Chasing 131 to win, Israel started the final over with 6 runs to win, and required two off the final ball. Itamar Kehimkar, who played a heroic innings and finished 52 not out, hit the ball over cover for what would have been a regulation two, and with the Israel players running on to the field in celebration, the umpire signaled a short run, and the innings closed with the scores level.

Asked to field first in wet conditions which reduced the game to 30-overs a side, Israel bowlers were well below their best and dished up far too many wides which allowed the Germans to score a competitive score of 130. Gil Nojman bowled well in the closing overs to take three wickets for just four runs, and Shalom Kristi (three for 18) and Kehimkar (3 for 28) also had success.

Israel lost wickets in quick succession, and reduced to 30 for 5 the game looked lost. However with the light fading and rain threatening, Kehimkar began playing perhaps the best innings of his life. He found a partner in number 10 batsman Jordan Talkar, and the two added 60 for the 9th wicket which took Israel to the brink of victory.