Italians end Israel´s unbeaten run

Israel suffered their first defeat at the European U17 tournament, losing to Italy by 51 runs. After winning the toss and asking the Italians to bat, Levy Divekar got a breakthrough in the very first over which set the tone for an excellent bowling performance which reduced the Italians to 92 for 8. However the game then swung back in the Italians favor as they went on the attack, found the boundaries, and got themselves up to a very competitive 176. Shalom Kristi was the pick of the bowlers with three for 20, Gabi Schachat generated good pace in claiming two and Divekar was also sharp with two for 34 as well.

Israel´s strength does not lie in their batting, and chasing such a big target was never going to be easy. Life was made harder with openers Shifron Waskar and Shlomi Korman out early to very quick and hostile Italian bowling. Mikki Cohen and Schachat managed to stop the fall of wickets, before Cohen (4) was unfortnuately run out. The middle order then preceeded to throw away their wickets with only Schachat playing with any confidence, but when he was out for 39 in the 27th over Israel´s chances were over, eventually all out for 125.

Israel play France tomorrow, with a win guaranteeing them second spot in Group A and a chance to play for third place.