A dramatic late order collapse saw Israel lost five wickets for just ten runs to fall just three runs short of Norway at College Field on the opening day of the ICC Europe WCL Division Two.

Chasing what looked a slightly below par Nowegian total of 204, a 6th wicket partnership of 61 between Gabriel Schachat and Yanik Razporker looked to have set up the win, before the intervention of Zaheer Ashiq.

The Nowegian skipper claimed three wickets for just seven runs as the pressure told on Israel, and their late order batsmen faltered ending on 201 all out with a ball unused.

Schachat had struck nine boundaries in his 68 from 101 balls, playing some majestic cover drives. He was well supported by Eshokol Solomon (48) and Yaniv Razporker (23).

As wella s Ashiq, Imran Dawood (2-46) bowled well, while the other wicket takers were AAmir Waheed, Mofassar Saeed, Zeeshan Siddiqui, and Shahbaz Butt.

Earlier Norway had produced a solid batting display to post 204 - no fewer than eight of their line up reached double figures, but only Damien Shortis who scored 66 from 98 balls (6 fours) went on to make a truly meaningful contribution.

Israel's bowlers stuck to their task well, with Yaniv Razporker (2-32), Steven Shein (2-40), Eliezer Samson (2-43), Josh Evans (2-50), and David Massil (1-37) the successful bowlers.

Definitely a missed opportunity for Israel, while Norway will be grateful for the win which looked unlikely until the final few overs.