Israel suffered an untimely collapse as they were eliminated from the ICC European Division Two T20 Championships at the semi-final stage in Corfu.
In a low-scoring match in the morning, Israel collapsed to 97 all out as they chased a Manx total of 136 for seven.
The earlier game was notable for two fine all-round performances, with Josh Evans bowling a superb spell for Israel, taking 3-9 in four overs, before making a top score of 34 from 35 deliveries, only to be capped by the Isle of Man’s Mark Williams, who transformed his side’s innings with an 18-ball 39 not out in the closing overs and then took three for 13, including the crucial wicket of Evans.
The Manx innings was given a solid basis by opener Gareth Morris, who made 53 from 48 deliveries with six fours and two sixes, but it was only Williams’ whirlwind knock which enabled them to set a reasonable target.
Max Stokoe in return then removed Herschel Gutman with the fifth ball of the first over. Daniel Hyman and Evans put on 46 for the second wicket before Williams dismissed the former. But it was Evans’s wicket which really turned the game, and thereafter wickets fell quickly as the Israelis collapsed from 68 for four to 97 all out.
Stokoe claimed 3-16, and there were two wickets apiece for Garreth Roome and Arne van den Berg
Israel will face Spain in the playoff for third place.
ICC EUROPEAN DIVISION TWO T20 CHAMPIONSHIPS SEMI-FINAL
Isle of Man 136-7 (20 overs) Gareth Morris 53, Josh Evans 3-9
Israel 97 (18.3 overs) Josh Evans 34, Max Stokoe 3-16, Mark Williams 3-13
Isle of Man won by 39 runs
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