SA too strong for Israel; Aussies look good against GB

Action from the Israel - S outh Africa junior match © Israel Cricket

The much anticipated clash between the South African and Israeli U18 teams on the second day of competition in the junior cricket tournament at the 17th Maccabiah turned into a one-sided match dominated by the visitors. South Africa scored a comprehensive 6-wicket victory, led by Daniel Cowan who excelled with bat and ball. Australia bounced back from their opening day defeat by South Africa to successfully chase a target of 137, defeating Great Britain by 8 wickets.

Having won the toss and decided to bat, a terrible mix up left Michael Muchi run out without scoring. Dani Hotz (9) seemed to be in good form, hitting two boundaries straight back past the bowler, before being caught at cover off a leading edge. Shai Hayun and Gal Matz were little troubled in adding 19 for the third wicket, before Cowan grabbed the first of his three wickets, getting Hayun (12) caught behind by Jayce Zidel. Stephen Joffe then clean bowled Gal Matz (12), and Safania Naguakar (1) hit a cleverly disguised slower ball by Cowan straight to mid off. Israel's situation of 48 for 5 became worse as Oren Chincholkar and Adiel Changuakar both edged to Zidel without scoring. Ronen Waskar's 33 ball vigil which brought him 2 runs was ended with an ugly swing at the impressive South African spinner Daniel Harrisberg, and Maor Shmuel was stumped off Harrisberg two balls later. Alex Ozer (12*) and Solomon Varsulkar added 14 for the last wicket to take the score to 70 before Ryan Kulber bowled Varsulkar for 3. Cowan returned the outstanding figures of 3 for 3 from 5 overs, and Joffe (2 for 8) and Harrisberg (2 for 7) were also amongst the wickets.

Israel received some inspiration with Adiel Yaakov getting Hillel Richmond (0) caught by Hotz at 2nd slip in the very first over, and a few overs later Daniel Gursd was run out to leave South Africa 9 for 2. Yaakov then picked up the big wicket of Kulber, caught by Ozer at midwicket.

Any South African jitters were soon laid to rest however as Matthew Rosen and and Daniel Cowan played patiently, building a partnership. By the time Rosen (22) was caught at square leg the game was effectively over, with Cowan finishing undefeated on 28.