Cricket: Israel beats France in Euro Championships

Israel did not get off to the brighest start, but they came back.

By STEVEN SHEIN
A magnificent bowling and fielding performance, followed by a good middle order batting display, gave Israel a three-wicket win over France at the European Championships in Glasgow on Sunday. Two early wickets for Isaac Talkar (2 for 24), a brilliant run out by Danny Hotz and then a fantastic spell of bowling by Raymond Aston (4 for 29) reduced France to 111 for 8, after they had won the toss and elected to bat. A lower order recovery took the French to a total of 175. Hillel Awasker was very economical with his left arm spin, taking 1 for 24 in his 10 overs, and Isaac Massil and Sanjay Gupta took one wicket each as well. Israel did not get off to the brighest start, losing Awasker (7), Hotz (14), Massil (9) and Dovi Myers (14) with just 54 on the board. However a 60-run stand between Gupta and Aston rebuilt the innings until Aston was out for 24 with the score on 114. Gupta fell for a fine 40 with the total on 143, leaving the match in the balance. However 16-year old debutant Shai Hayun, who earlier in the day excelled behind the stumps, thumped three boundaries, and together with the ever reliable Adrian Vard (22 not out), took Israel to the brink of victory. Hayun (14) was unfortnuately dismissed with nine runs still required, but Israel sealed victory with three overs still remaining. In the day's other game, Jersey easily defeated Norway by nine wickets. Despite the defeat, Norway finished top of the group, with Jersey edging out Israel for second place on a superior net run rate. Israel was scheduled to next play against Guernsey on Tuesday.