Israeli cricket hosts first-ever international match

Croatia spoils the party but day is “huge success” for Israel Cricket Association

You may not have realised it, but Israel’s European Championship football qualifier against Russia on Saturday was not the only international sport taking place in Tel-Aviv last weekend.

The host’s dramatic last-gasp 2-1 success may have taken most of the headlines but as Israel was scoring its winning goal, 22 cricketers were preparing for their own match-up the following day.

On Sunday Israel and Croatia played out a thrilling contest with bat and ball at the National Athletics Stadium Hadar Yosef in Tel Aviv, and although the hosts went down to a narrow five-run defeat, the fact the game was played at all was just as important as the result itself.

“The significance for Israeli cricket is amazing,” said Stanley Perlman, President of the Israel Cricket Association and the man who captained the home side in the historic match.

“It was the first time that any country has come to play an international game of cricket in Israel and it was a great occasion. Our visitors from Croatia followed in the footsteps of their football and basketball teams who are regular visitors.

“The event was a huge success and we hope it is the start of more teams coming to play here in Israel,” he added.

Richard Holdsworth, ICC Regional Development Manager, who was also Match Referee, commented "The following and publicity this match has received is great news for the promotion of the game in Israel. Several hundred boys and girls watched the match live at the stadium, and many participated in a lunchtime cricket demonstration match".

He added "The future of the game is about these young people, and they were thrilled with their experience of being part of the first ever international match played in Israel".

Croatia scored 152-7 from its 45 overs and then successfully defended its total in a match that went to the final over.

Croatia’s victory means promotion to European Division 2 where it will play hosts Guernsey, along with Jersey, Germany, Gibraltar and France in 2008.

Israel will have to be content with a place in the Division 3 competition scheduled for 2009 alongside the likes of Spain, the Isle of Man, Malta, Belgium, Portugal and Cyprus.

Israel has been an ICC Member since 1974 while Croatia joined in 2001.