Israel v India A, 1st match, Ashdod

Bhatia takes four as India A wallop Israel

Cricinfo staff

July 13, 2008

India A 53 for 1 (Vijay 31) beat Israel Invitational XI 52 (Bhatia 4-5) by nine wickets

Rajat Bhatia picked up four wickets for only five runs as India A bowled out Israel Invitational XI for 52 and chased the target for the loss of one wicket in the first of three one-day matches celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary.

The Israel side is made up of Jewish cricketers from around the world as well as Jonty Rhodes, the former South African batsman, who managed to score only 11 in the game. Jason Molins, the opener, also scored 11 - Israel's top score.

India raced towards the target. M Vijay hit 31 before he was caught by Bension Sagawker off Yaniv Razpurker.

Rhodes said the quality of cricket was tough and he appreciated the work put in by the Israel administration to organise the tour. "The fact that India A has come all the way here to play is proof of the Israeli administration's hard work," Rhodes told the Jerusalem Post.

Jaydev Shah, the Indian captain, said his team hadn't realised cricket had been played in Israel for 30 years. "People need more time to develop the understanding, but we want to help move it forward. We are first-class players, this is our career. We want to play well for the national selectors as well."

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