Israel XI improves but is beaten again by India A

The Israel Invitation XI put in a far improved performance in the second one day match against India A at Ashdod on Monday, but was still beaten by 80 runs by its superior opponent.

After capitulating for just 52 runs on Sunday, the Israel team will be proud of scoring 233 all out in its innings, but was still well short of India's 313 for five.

India A now leads the three-match series 2-0 and the Israel Invitation XI will only have pride to play for in the third and final match at Ashdod on Wednesday.

"It was an excellent performance and I hope for even better in the final match," Israel Cricket Association chairman Stanley Perlman said.

The series was organized as part of the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel. The Israel team is made up of Jewish cricketers from all round the world, including former South African international Adam Bacher.

Bacher put in a superb batting performance for the hosts, scoring 74 runs off 57 balls in an innings which included a massive eight sixes.

Jonty Rhodes, one of the best fielders the game has known, was also included in the squad but retired injured on Monday after scoring three runs before pulling a hamstring. He was adjudged run out.

The Indian team, which includes fringe players and those who have caught the eye of the Indian selection committee during the recent Indian Premier League tournament, won the toss and elected to bat.

M. Vijay top-scored for the visitors with 76 runs while Cheteshwar Pujara, the 20-year old who finished as the 2006 Under-19 World Cup's highest scorer, was not far behind with 74 runs.

Rajat Bhatia showed his all round skills by scoring 55 with the bat, before taking three Israeli wickets.

After India A completed its 50 overs the Israelis came into bat full of confidence. While Bacher took control, Molins was also impressive, scoring 55.

But the opening pair could not do enough to inspire their teammates to victory and the Israelis were bowled out far off their target.