Cricket: India A completes 3-0 victory over Israel XI

But despite poor showings by the team, Israel Cricket Association chairman Stanley Perlman hails the series as a "phenomenal success."

By JEREMY LAST
cricket 88 (photo credit: )
cricket 88
(photo credit: )
India A completed a 3-0 series whitewash of the Israel Invitation XI in Ashdod on Wednesday, defeating the hosts by 96 runs in the final one-day match. But despite the poor showings by the team made up of some of the best Jewish cricketers from around the world, Israel Cricket Association chairman Stanley Perlman hailed the series as a "phenomenal success." "It was an absolutely brilliant success. We created history," Perlman told The Jerusalem Post of the event put on by the ICA as part of the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel. Looking back on Wednesday's game, Perlman admitted that, "It was a good game but once again they disappointed." The Indian bowling attack was key to its success in the final match of the series. Captain Jaydev Shah had incredible figures of four wickets in just 3.2 overs for only four runs as the Israelis were bowled out for 129 in 22 overs. India's opening bowler Ashok Dinda also took four wickets, this time in seven overs while allowing 22 runs. The Indians batted first and scored 225 for seven in the allotted 40 overs. The game had been shortened to a maximum of 40 overs each inning from 50 overs as the Indians had to leave to catch their flights. Cheteshwar Pujara scored 48 for the Indians and the wicket keeper Wriddhiman Saha was man of the match after scoring 85 not out. Of Israel's bowlers, Adam Bacher got two wickets in eight overs for 36 runs. Irishman Jason Molins scored highest for the hosts with 35 runs, while Bacher got 31 runs. Former South African international star Jonty Rhodes again disappointed, scoring only three runs.