The British recklessly approached the Italians with their MkIVb’s, and they paid the price with 6 tank steps lost by 1045. British reinforcements would have to take care not to lose any more steps. The Italians spread their tank forces in the desert between the salt marsh and the oncoming British tanks. The Italian plan now was to aggressively engage the Bristish. At 1215, the Italians had achieved their victory condition of eliminating 8 British tank steps. Could the Italians hold off the reinforcements that were likely to arrive in the afternoon, without significant losses?

At 1400, the Italians had lost 14 steps (all tanks). They too were reckless, and instead of withdrawing after inflicting serious losses to the British, they continued to attack. The surviving British tanks fought to the end, taking out a lot of 13/40s and 11/39s. The battle ended in a draw. The Italians made a tactical error by not withdrawing.