U17's show good form ahead of tour

Isaac Massil - Israel's leading scorer in Belgium © Israel Cricket

Despite the disappointing performances of the senior national team at the European Championships in Belgium last week, the Israel U17 team will be departing for Italy, to participate in the European Cricket Council U17 2nd Division European Championships, with high expectations.

Having won last year's U15 tournament, Israel is certainly among the favorites this year, but a tough challenge is expected. The team is grouped together with the hosts and Belgium. The second group consists of France, Germany, Gibraltar and Greece. The top two teams from each group will progress to a second round.

Many of the players in the squad showed fine form over the weekend, playing for the Negev Academy against Petah Tikva. Michael Muchie became the youngest player to score a league century in Israel, scoring a magnificent 101. Maor Shmuel helped himself to 79, and opening batsman Raz Ben-Zaken scored 56, as the Academy amassed 355 for 7 in their 40 overs. Spin triplets Ronen Waskar (3 for 13), Solomon Varsulkar (2 for 9) and Ben-Zaken (2 for 5) combined to dismiss Petah Tikva for just 84.

The Israel team, captained by Gal Matz, includes eight players from the South. The squad will be put through an intensive two-day coaching camp at Hadar Yosef this week, and fly to Italy on Sunday.