Games We Play - Cricket Israel defeats Croatia to regain Division 2 status

Israel defeats Croatia t

By JPOST SPORTS STAFF
Israel easily overcame Croatia in a European play-off game in Zagreb on Sunday, winning by six wickets, to secure ICC European Division 2 status. Israel received the right to challenge the Croatians after winning the Division 3 tournament held in Spain last year. Israel skipper Herschel Gutman was understandably delighted with the win. "This victory is the culmination of a long summer for the team, which started with good results at the Maccabiah, winning the tournament in Spain and now doing what was required here," he said. "The boys have gelled into a tight unit, and hopefully we can continue producing positive results next year against stronger opposition." On Sunday, Israel won the toss and elected to bowl after the start had been delayed due to wet conditions, and the game reduced to 36 overs accordingly. Openers Eliezer Samson and David Massil both bowled extremely tightly, and after 15 overs the Croatians had hardly scored more than a run an over. As the Eastern Europeans attempted to up the tempo, wickets began to tumble with spinner Steven Shein finishing with 5 for 27 as the hosts managed just 96 for 9 in their allotted overs. Israel began its innings positively, and Gutman made sure there was only one team in it with an aggressive 47 not out, as the visitors sealed a comprehensive victory.