The Israel U13 team began their European Championship campaign with a comprehensive 59-run win over host nation Italy earlier today. Israel captain Reuven Bergman won the toss and had no hesitation in deciding to bat. Despite the early loss of Alex Ozer for 0, Raz Ben Zakan (6) and Bar Ilya, who top scored with 22, took the score to 25/1 after 5 overs. After 10 overs Israel had 63 on the board, with 2 wickets down. The scoring rate slowed down somewhat, with just 21 runs being added in the following 6 overs, but a fantastic final 4 overs, which yielded 35 runs, saw Israel reach 119 for 5 wickets at the completion of their 20 overs. Shai Chanun, who only began playing cricket 3 months ago, contributed an aggressive 17, and Ronen Wasker was undefeated on 11.

Italy fell behind the required run rate from the first over, as tight Israeli bowling backed up by superb fielding made scoring difficult. 18 for 1 after 5 overs became 32 for 4 after 10, as Israel tightened the screws. The Italians were eventually all out for 60 in 18.1 overs. Eyal Matz took 2/10, off spinner Ben Zakan 2/13, and there was a wicket each for Bergman, Wasker and Ozer. Israel also took 3 wickets with run outs, whilst wicketkeeper Chanun completed two stumpings, which, together with his batting, earned him the man of the match award.

In the days second game, Belgium (124) cruised to victory over France (54) by 70 runs, in a game that followed a similiar pattern to the Italy - Israel match. In the 3rd match Germany (156) beat Gibraltar (75) by 81 runs

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