India beat Israel in second ODI

Superb half-centuries by M Vijay (77), Cheteshwar Pujara (73) and Rajat Bhatia (55 not out) helped India A beat hosts Israel by 90 runs in their second one-day international match in Ashdod on Monday.

India A scored 313 for 5 in their stipulated 50 overs and then rolled over the opponents for 223 in 46 overs with the aid of R Vinay Kumar (4 for 33) and Bhatia (3 for 35).

Vijay and Pujara put up a second-wicket partnership of 126 after Goa batsman Swapnil Asnodkar, who was expected to entertain the crowds with his flamboyant batting, was dismissed for 18.

All-rounder Bhatia, however, did not disappoint locals, who again turned up in significant numbers to watch the most important cricketing event for the state.

Israel got off to a poor start and were 56 for 3 at the end of 17 overs, far away from the daunting task. They suffered a major setback when South African star Jonty Rhodes came out to bat with a runner due to an injury and was cheaply sent packing, for three.

Captain Adam Bacher, a South African international, fought back with 74 off 55 balls and also sharing a 115-run partnership with Irish-Jewish player Greg Mollinf, who scored 55 of 89 balls.

The Israeli team comprises several Jewish players from around the world, including Bension Sagaonkar from India, and Rhodes who joined them as a supporter of Israel.

The three match series is being played to commemorate 60 years of Israel's independence. Israel Cricket Association is an associate member of the ICC and was a founding member of the European Cricket Council in 1996.