1st T20 World Cup [rosters, roleplays, results]

[Giovanniland]

"Good morning viewers from Giovanniland, Aura and the world! I am Vanessa Desniowynsk, and together with my colleague Carlos Nakamura-Edristyn, we will be your hosts for the 1st T20 World Cup of Cricket besides presenting the normal Sports Report. Did you miss us from the Football World Cup?"

*crowd roars*

"That's great! Now, I am here to report the exact moment in which the Giovannilandiana Equipa is coming. Look, the airplane is landing!", Vanessa exclaimed. She continued to talk: "Our cricket team started their flight back home at the International Emperor Giovanni the Great Airport in our capital Giovannistadt, and they are now arriving in the Larxian capital of New Larxia to attend the opening ceremony in the King's Circle Stadium. After the ceremony it is expected that they travel to La Marina, where they will play their Group C games in the King Julius International Stadium." 

*landing airplane noises*

"Watch out! The airplane has landed and now you can see the players disembarking. One by one, the eleven main players and the four reserves leave the airplane as they enter the inner airport and travel to a site where they will prepare for the opening ceremony. First the wicket-keepers, then the all-rounders, the batsmen, and finally the bowlers! Oh, look, my daughter Marta Desniowynsk has just left the plane!" Vanessa then gets emotional after seeing her own daughter, before finishing her live coverage. "Anyways, like I was saying, there's not much else to see until later in the opening ceremony, which our channel will also give a live coverage of. For now, I give the floor to my colleague Carlos Nakamura-Edristyn in Giovannistadt where he will speak some more about our team. Goodbye!"   

*Vanessa disappears from the screen and is replaced by Carlos*

"Alright, so you have just watched live coverage of our national team arriving in Larxia, and now you will see interesting information about our team's games and more!", says Carlos while interesting graphs appear on the screen. "Our team is part of Group C, together with the Andolian nation of Fhaengshia and the Auran nations of Dilber and Saint Mark, all of which will play in the city of La Marina throughout this first stage of the T20 World Cup. The first match will happen tomorrow and will be against the Fhaengshian team, after which we will play against the Saint Markians and finally the Dilberians." He sips a cup of water before continuing to talk: "In this sport called cricket, wins are awarded two points while draws are awarded one and losses, of course, are awarded none. If Giovanniland manages to get either first or second place in Group C, our team will advance to the Super Eight phase, where two groups of four teams each have three more matchdays. Finally, if our team also wins or is runner-up of this group, it will participate in the semi-finals and then the grand final or 3rd place match." 

Carlos then proceeds to talk about something else as the screen switches from sports data to a breaking news banner. "Oh, wow! After this summary of how the tournament will go that I just presented to you, I have just been informed of some important political news related to the T20 World Cup. It has been just reported that, in a public statement, the Prime Minister of Giovanniland Amore Gil Albrecht has refused to attend the opening ceremony as she was planning, after news that Larxia switched their constitutional monarchy to an absolute one. She will also not attend other games in the One World VIP Box built by Larxia for world leaders, and instead will send the Minister of Sports Fernando Azevedo-Wilsim. According to the Prime Minister's statement, she is disappointed by the authoritarian Larxian move by its new absolute monarchy of curtailing personal freedoms and ending democracy, but hopes that this political statement will not interfere in the Giovannilandian team's performance." 

The banner then disappears from the screen, and Carlos finishes: "Alright viewers, that is all for today! Tomorrow we'll have a report on the Giovannilandian match against the Fhaengshian team. See you then!" The screen then briefly shows the logo of the Giovannilandian Cricket Report before moving on to sports-unrelated news.

[Fujai]

   

 

Fujai

Fujai (fu:'jaɪ, foo-yEYE) is a small coastal nation of just over 7 million residents, located in the north of the Polarii continent. Being a somewhat aristocratic sport in much of Polaris, cricket has never been very popular in Fujai. The sport's core followers hail from the area around Strafsund, the nation's second-largest city, stemming mostly from Astorian immigrants.

The Landslag

The Landslag is made up of the finest players in Fujai, though few would be considered of truly international quality. It is sponsored by Fujais Bolltreidrottsforbund (FBtIF), a member of Fujais Idrottsforbund (FIF - Fujansk Sports Federation). The Landslag's players tend to come from the seven teams that compete in the top flight, with the plurality coming from the Strafsund Cricket Union.

Fujais Idrottsforbund

Fujais Idrottsforbund (FIF) is the federation of labor unions representing all sports players and workers in sports-associated industries. It is separate from the Fujansk government, but receives accreditation and financial and infrastructural support from it. Its structure includes clubs at the local level (e.g. a local sports club), which are constituents of fylke organizations, which are a part of the larger federation representing specific sports (e.g. Fujais Fotbollforbund for football), which are then members of FIF.

Fujais Bolltreidrottsforbund

Fujais Bolltreidrottsforbund (FBtIF) is the labor union that governs bat sports in Fujai and represents all players, related workers, and clubs in the country. The main sports under its purview are baseball, hasle, and cricket. FBtIF's Kriketseksjon organizes the nation's cricket league play, with seven teams covering large geographic areas competing in the top flight.

The seven unions that currently compete for the Landskopp are, in winningest order:

• Strafsund (Strafsund urban area)
• Jornstrand (Jornstrand landsdel)
• Sud (Sudvalla landsdel w/o Strafsund urban)
• Keiserholde (Keiserholde urban area)
• Sentrum (Hovudland landsdel w/o Keiserholde urban)
• Nord (Felvenna and Halvøyland landsdelar)
• Hringhav (Mærte, Skolland, and Svartøyar landsdelar)

 

 

 

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Important Notes (!)

Editor's note on gender: Fujansk culture does not have individual gender categories. The five common genders were historically recognized, though categories and classifications of gender expression have broken down in the last few centuries, resulting in today's non-categorical perception of gender. Since the Fujansk language does not have gendered pronouns, most Fujar choose choose to use gender-neutral pronouns when interacting in the common tongue, such as they/them. All players on the Landslag use they/them pronouns in the common language.

Translator's note: Landslaget translates to "The National Team," while Landslag translates to "National Team." In the common tongue, one would say "the Landslag did well" or "Landslaget did well," not "the Landslaget did well" (the translated equivalent of "the The Landslag did well"). This is because the Fujansk language uses suffixes to create definite nouns instead of articles. See Den Fujanske Ordboken (The Fujansk Dictionary) for more information.

Quick Info

• Trigram: FJA
• Adjective: Fujansk
• Demonym: Fujar
• Plural: Fujar
• Language: Fujansk
• Population: 7,294,825 (~RL Paraguay/Washington state)
• Area: 521,912 km² (Øyen: 131,016 km², Hasmark: 390,896 km²) (~RL Nicaragua+Zimbabwe/Alabama+Montana)
• GDP (PPP) per capita: 1,760,000 kronar, 71,535 international monetary units
• Capital: Keiserholde, Keiserholde fylke

Resources

• Factbook (moderate WIP)
• Fujais Idrottsblad | Fujai Sports Newswires
• One-page travel guide to Fujai
• Den Fujanske Ordboken - Fujansk-Common dictionary, pronunciation guide, name generator, and more!
• Population map of the fylkar of Fujai
• Population map of the 10 largest metro areas in Fujai

 

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Team Info

Basic Info:

• Style mod: -1
• Home stadium: primarily Setskog Idrottsplass, Strafsund - cap. ~1,000
  • The Landslag rotates its matches to stadiums around the country, with the plurality of international matches taking place at Setskog Idrottsplass in Strafsund, home of Strafsund Cricket Union
• Managers: Pedar Solberg, Ramona Horpestad
• Coaches: Vegard Dalakar, Pàl Callaghan

Roster

Name	Shirt	Batting Style	Bowling Style	Domestic Team	Age
Batters
Marie Ramfjord	86	L	R Off Spin	Sud	29
Teo Gran	3	R	R Off Spin	Jornstrand	37
Tarald Rakvåg (C)	22	R	R Off Spin	Strafsund	30
Oda Rafoss	32	R	R Off Spin	Jornstrand	28
Wicket Keeper Batters
Håvard Jonsrud	66	R	R Off Spin	Sentrum	30
Iben Ringdal	48	L	R Medium	Sud	29
Camdyn Holand	47	R	R Off Spin	Strafsund	35
All Rounders
Bjørn Rønning	77	R	R Fast Medium	Strafsund	34
Noa Sjøberg	12	R	R Fast Medium	Keiserholde	26
Rikke Rolland	74	L	L Slow Orthodox	Strafsund	29
Pace Bowlers
Jørgen Aylmere	18	R	L Fast Medium	Strafsund	31
Marva Falch	21	R	R Fast Medium	Sud	29
Liana Hagen (AC)	38	R	R Fast Medium	Strafsund	32
Leif Lien	10	L	L Fast Medium	Strafsund	35
Spin Bowlers
Adnaan Hunte	24	L	L Slow Orthodox	Jornstrand	32

 

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RP Permissions

Spoiler

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:

Do anything with my players: Yes—just about anything short of death
Godmod other events: Yes, within reason—ask me if you want to do something wild and we can do it together

Gender note: Pronouns are important, use the right ones.
Language note: If I provide a word in Fujansk, please use it as is instead of a translation. If you'd like any additional translations or have a question, feel free to message me

OOC Disclaimer:

Spoiler

I know literally nothing about cricket, please be kind

If you'd like to know something about Fujai that I didn't cover or whatever else, feel free to send me a message or look at my fully and totally complete factbook.
All graphics created by myself.

 

[United Adaikes]

May 9, 1421; 7:30 PM IAT; Inside the premier function room in an undisclosed hotel for the Steelbats in Nexilia

"So, it's going to be the hosts first, then Santos-Dominius, and then Denieria," the oldest in the team (and the second-most respected person after the captain), Kalyana Ceallachain said while looking at the TV screen showing the Opening Ceremony live from New Larxia, the others looking on. The captain, Wynne Albrektsson, as well as Noel Laud, the coach, was in New Larxia for the Ceremony.

"My mother's still asking me how did it feel meeting the president," Akpofure Garey, the youngest, spoke to anyone who would listen, "but my father is asking me why the hell is the President here in Larxia with some of his Cabinet." But he was covered by the screams of the other team members, "WYNNE!!" every time they see their captain in the TV.

 

9:30 PM IAT

"Okay," Albert Burgos, the Conditioning Coach, breaks the silence of those still watching the ceremony and others fiddling with their phones, "the coaching staff have heard that this'll end by around midnight, so Coach has told me to give you lights out by 10. We need you to be in top condition tomorrow. We will also be waking everyone up by 5 AM, for y'all to prepare for breakfast by 6 AM, and then go to the stadium by 7:30. Coach and Wynne will meet us there by that time. Any questions?" Hearing none, "okay, you can now go back to your rooms."

[Fhaengshia]

 

Ghomhoeria Tahdaoni ae Kahrijaec   -   Republic Cricket Association

Fhaengshian First XI - The Bounty Hunters

 

Batting Order

Number	Name	Handed	Bowling Style	Territory
1	Jeinn Haendohf	RH	-	UG
2	Fusthien Leiluo	RH	-	LG
3	Palsin Tosird	LH	-	TR
4	Cudoelf Errihdas (C)	RH	-	SH
5	Ealoin Nakienh	LH	Medium-fast	FH
6	Safdli Arielnk	RH	*Wicket keeper	SH
7	Iotehps Mhaedhe	RH	Medium-fast	NS
8	Likleffi Bhoemo	RH	Fast	AH
9	Cahre Otiel	RH	Off spin	LG
10	Rhise Tosird	LH	Fast	AN
11	Ehrtain Mehrndalie	RH	Leg spin	FH

Coach: Fienuf Duegghi

Manager: Kasnieht Uneifhi

Home Stadium: Fhaendhaw Capital Stadium - 83,500 capacity

Local Cricket: There is a club based competition held nationally with 10 teams from major cities, including 3 from Fhaendhaw and 2 from Ganfa.

Spoiler

Permissions: ask via dm first I guess

 

[Clarkov]

Somewhere in the executive capital Great Parndon (Specifically, next to a road waiting for the transport to arrive.)

King/Tsar Mečislavs I of House Deben: Well this isn't exactly the most glamorous way to get to the T20 World Cup if I'm being honest. I feel very conspicuous right now.

Prime Minister Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani 'Clarkson': To be quite frank, the nation you and I preside over isn't exactly the most high end nation on this planet. In fact, I'd say we are one of the furthest from high end.

Mečislavs Deben: I know that, but come on. I'm the King, the head of state, and you're the Prime Minister, the head of government. Don't you think that we, holding the two highest posts in the land, should be getting at least a little bit of luxury when we travel?

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Don't say that too loudly, that mob over there will tear us asunder if you do.

Mečislavs Deben: Those hippies currently exchanging doses of drugs? Not bloody likely.

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: They are on Dilberian drugs by the looks of it.

Mečislavs Deben: How in the name of all that's holy did Dilberian drugs make it into this country?!

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Don't ask me, ask the border officials.

Mečislavs Deben: Let's just leave it then. Hmm? Is that our ride?

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: It has arrived, earlier than usual might I add. That is quite rare when it comes to things related to me.

Mečislavs Deben: Uh, hang on a minute! There's quite an elephant in the room.

Mečislavs Deben: It's a hearse! It's what you put dead people in, you imbecile.

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Yes, it is a hearse. More specifically this is the Ecnalubma, the hearse that James May converted into an ambulance. He allowed us to use it so long as we didn't make any mess whatsoever in the car.

Mečislavs Deben: I can't believe we have to go to Larxia in this.

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: It's brilliant! There's even a lovely bed and chair in the back if you want to relax in comfort.

Mečislavs Deben: Well, nothing I can do about it, let's get going. Hey you, person in the tow truck, thanks for bringing this over.

'Person in the Tow Truck': You're welcome Kingie. Also, I have a name.

Mečislavs Deben: Yes yes, I realise that Jeremy.

Jeremy Clarkson: No problem, see you around.

Mečislavs Deben: Goodbye.

Jeremy Clarkson: Every bone in May's crotch. That's what I'm going to break.

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Uhm... right, whatever. Shall we go now?

???: Hold on just a minute

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani:  Kaiser? Isaac and Patrick too? What are you all doing here?

Đe Kaiser: We're here to catch a ride with you to the T20 World Cup. The team left us behind when they took the tractors there.

Patrick Manev: Indeed. As a bonus, the funds I can get from helping the health service in the Larxian nation can go towards finding a way to wake my comatose wife.

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Wait, Tracy Manev is still in a coma? I'm surprised you're still going. You're quite the persistent healthcare professional.

Patrick Manev: I won't stop for anything or anyone. I will use everything in mine and my Hands of Asclepius' power to achieve my goal.

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Praise where it's due, that's quite lovely.

Mečislavs Deben: Doesn't change the fact that you're meant to be in prison for unleashing that virus group NEO-GUILT back in 1415.

Đe Kaiser: Actually Patrick's sentence ended a couple of weeks ago. Went under the radar amongst all the news headlines about nonsense that no one needs to know about.

Mečislavs Deben: I see. That's the most lenient sentence I've ever bared ears to.

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Regardless, we're all here now so you three players can get into the back of the 'hearsebulance'. Actually speaking of medical jargon, the player Derek, a master surgeon, and assistant coach Eirin, a miracle pharmacist, are both part of the same profession as Patrick.

Mečislavs Deben: That saves me having to ask about the HNDK's medical team.

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Aye. What amazes me is that Kaiser there is still going at this point. The sporting legend has been at it for 25 years now.

Đe Kaiser: I am a fighting machine. My name? Đe Kaiser! I don't intend to retire anytime soon.

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Alright we get the point. We're leaving now alright, so get in the hearse already. Come on Isaac, you're coming too you know.

Isaac Myroshnychenko: Okay.

Mečislavs Deben: I'm amazed this 5 year old is even here. Are HNDK really this desperate?

Patrick Manev: I have heard legends about this boy. Apparently he managed to survive battles with his mother, Satan, himself, his own corpse, the Antichrist, Satan but much larger, his mother but undead, the sin of greed with a huge ass buff, the embodiment of his own death, the embodiment of his own mind, the embodiment of radical televangelists, the Horsemen of the Apocalypse and THE false god. This relates to the Church of the Countryside by the way. Besides, he should at least be good enough to do this if the HNDK have chosen him.

Isaac Myroshnychenko: N-no, I just...

Đe Kaiser: Go home Patrick, you're drunk.

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Are you sure this isn't just him venting his childhood trauma at the hands of his abusive religious fanatic of a mum? I mean, that's why he permanently lives with his father now if I recall correctly.

Isaac Myroshnychenko: Yeah.

Patrick Manev: On second thought, that idea is far more grounded in reality.

Mečislavs Deben: That's cleared up then. Also, you can put your hat and suit in the back with the others. 

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Cheers for clearing that up, slightly unnecessary but I'll be grateful nonetheless.

Mečislavs Deben: Enough dawdling around, hit the accelerator Clarkov! I'll just inform the HNDK of the need to change their official roster posted earlier on.

Clarkov Jammbonevych Furutani: Let our trip to Larxia and the T20 World Cup commence! About time too.

 

With that, the three players, the king/tsar and the prime minister all departed in the Ecnalubma for the trip to Larxia. They would drop the players off at the training grounds just beyond the outskirts of San Dojas, where the Faltech Arena the HNDK will be playing their T20 cricket matches is, before heading to the hotel where the king/tsar and PM would stay for the duration of the tournament. The Ecnalubma would be parked safely in the facilities nearby the hotel.

[United Adaikes]

Results of the 1st Match Day for the First Round

[Larxia]

 

 

The Larxian National Team went on to face the Adaikesian National Team in their first match in the T20 World Cup. The 92,000 capacity stadium was almost full for the match between Larxia and United Adaikes. The crowd containes seas of blue jersey and there were a few green jerseys, mostly concentrated in the lower eastern block of the stadium.

The toss was won by the Larxian captain, who decided that he wanted to bowl first. The Adaikesian team had to bat first. "It just looks like a pitch that would help a bowler more in the earlier hours of the match. I would expect it to be a comparatively low scoring match, with the bowlers giving amazing performances," Virat Kohli said, when asked why he chose to bowl first.

The match started with 2 Adaikesian batsmen in the middle. Bumrah opened the bowling along with Boult. Both of these bowlers bowled really well, with Bumrah registering figures of 3-19 in 4 overs and Boult registering 1-14 in 4 overs. While the bowlers were not very successful, in terms of wickets taken, they did manage to restrict the Adaikesians to a mere 132 runs scored in 20 overs, at an average of 6.6 runs per over. The team was extremely formidable in the field, with only 1 misfield in the whole match. Rabada had a match to forget after registering figures of 0-29 in 4 overs.

There was a small break of 20 minutes between the two innings for the players to rest. The crowd was consumed with excitement, so much so that they didn't even realise that the break was 20 minutes long.

The second innings began with Kohli and Sharma in the middle. Both of them played really well, racking up a partnership of 65 runs in just 7 overs in the middle. The match looked to be going well for Larxia, until Kohli got out, scoring 23 runs, making the score 65/1. After Kohli got out, most of the batting order collapsed, scoring in single figures before getting out, only 1 batsman crossed the 10 run mark. The score went form 65/1 to 98/6. While the batting order was collapsing on the other end, Rohit Sharma was playing a Vice-Captain's innings, holding down the fort, and taking Larxia towards a victory. Sharma carried Larxia close to victory. The score was 127/6 in 14 overs. Larxia needed 6 runs in 6 overs. Sharma faced the next ball, which he dispatched into the stands for a maximum, winning the game for Larxia with almost 6 overs to spare. Sharma batted really well, scoring 89 runs in the innings. 

The losing captain was interviewed on the podium, followed by the winning captain. Then they announced Rohit Sharma as the man of the match. He was given a little trophy and a cheque for 20,000 dollars.

Elsewhere Santos-Dominius managed to get a 93 run victory against Denieria in their first match of the tournament. It will be interesting to see how the in-form Larxia fare against Denieria in the second match.

 

[Clarkov]

T20 World Cup Matchday 1 - Review - Defeat

 149/6 (19.1 overs)

 148/9 (20 overs)

Cambria won against Hertfordia Heathens by 4 wickets

Batting		Runs	Bats	Fours	Sixes
	Đe Kaiser	7	5	0	1
	Bowled
	Yomiel Stasyuk	55	43	9	0
	Bowled
	Diego Adamov	11	12	0	0
	Caught
	Patchouli Knalide	40	18	7	2
	Run out
	Faust Ḩarełeudeiem	13	10	2	0
	Not out
	Dynamis Dudka	6	5	1	0
	Bowled
	Derek Sokolov	2	5	0	0
	Caught
	Reimu Hadjieva	10	10	1	0
	Caught
	Yuuya Kovalchuk	1	5	0	0
	Bowled
	Patrick Manev	3	7	0	0
	Caught

Scorers of Wickets: Robert Cherganski (3), Richard Hammond (1), Kyosuke Miķelsons (1), Naho Sotirova (1)

 

Đe Kaiser - A typical performance really. A six on his first bat showed everyone that he still had it. The next few bats showed everyone that he really didn't.

Yomiel Stasyuk - Arguably the star performer for Hertfordia Heathens, needing the equivalent of 25 bats to reach a score of 55. Not bad for a so-called dead man walking. If anyone is wondering about the fact that he clearly got 18 runs with 0, that is possible in cricket. We found that out a few hours earlier.

Diego Adamov - Didn't exactly take things quickly. One run at a time here, not quite ideal for high run scoring.

Patchouli Knalide - The librarian of knowledge and shade, if not Yomiel then she was the top performer. Scoring 7 fours and 2 sixes, meaning she needed just 9 runs to make 40, before her progress screeched to a halt. No wonder, this 'Eastern style Western magician' is actually rather sickly and probably wasn't feeling well. Again.

Faust Ḩarełeudeiem - This guy probably wasn't expecting the arrival and flag plant debacle, so wasn't really on point when he came late on. If he was, we might have won this match. Still, he was still in by the time our allocated innings, and 20 overs, had concluded.

Dynamis Dudka: Didn't do much to help his case, either in selection for cricket matches or convincing his colleagues that the 'will of the heavens' actually exists. A solitary 4 was a highlight of the match though.

Derek Sokolov - Done almost nothing at all and just as well, for a citizen had become gravely injured just outside the stadium in a crash. We can report that he succeeded in the on-site operation.

Reimu Hadjieva - One name for Hertfordshire and Jammbo's cricket team is the Hertfordia Shrine Maidens, which came 3rd in the poll behind Heathens & Snowstorm. Enter the actual shrine maiden, who was one of the better performers really despite only earning 10 runs. That score isn't likely to help earn any shrine donations, what little she ever sees anyway.

Yuuya Kovalchuk - The solitary run followed by a lorry full of nothing. Unlike Derek, he had no excuse for that pitiful display.

Patrick Manev - Done rather well when he came on near the end. Consistent, but what looked like a clear six was cancelled with a superb catch right at the edge by a Cambrian fielder. Well done to that guy, through gritted teeth might we add. Despite the performance then, he had almost nothing to show for it.

 

So, if you are confused about this new reporting format, here we are to explain it. Each cricket result we have will receive the most complicated looking scoreboard we have ever seen as well as judgements on each of the batters that took part. We will also have the wicket takers, those who were successful in dismissing the opposition players below the main scoreboard itself. Do not ask us to report on it like the rugby and football lot do, because we know the square root of nothing about cricket. That, and also because if we did, the report would have the same levels of boredom as one of Prime Minister Clarkov's explanations. Death by boredom would be appropriate.

Anyway, as you all saw, we were narrowly defeated by the larger of the two Astorian nations, Tara & Cambray Cambria by 4 wickets. This is because Cambria surpassed our score by a single run with 4 wickets (that's 4 batters) to spare. They achieved this target with 5 bats remaining, so it really was crunch time when the final over of the second innings began. In our next match we shall do battle with Teralyon who were defeated by, er, Blue Bubble? Glenpavia? Oh whatever you get what we mean. So we shall see you on the next report. Also, we thought we would also give you results from other matches but in a way that will brighten up your days back in the dismal cold place we call home after our unfortunate loss. Never mind that the scores are already on display!

 

Matchday 1 - Results

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Group A

Hosts Close By - 133/6 (14.1 overs)

Steelbats, Not Steelbacks! - 132/4 (20 overs)

 

From The Continent That Time Forgot - 94 (17.1 overs)*

Infernal Sponsor Islands - 187/7 (20 overs)

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Group B

Bluebublenpavia - 145/2 (15.4 overs)

Sword At A Bat Fight - 141/5 (20 overs)

 

Polaris Supremacy Gang - 149/6 (19.1 overs)

Middle Of Scenic Nowhere - 148/9 (20 overs)

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Group C

Drug Facility - 155/4 (20 overs)**

The Aristocrat - 155/2 (20 overs)

 

Home To Esferos' Most Baffling Language - 144/7 (15 overs)*

Corporate Invasion Landing Point - 141/6 (20 overs)

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Group D

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Landmine Junta - 142/7 (20 overs)*

Guess Who Won The Civil War - 198/8 (20 overs)*

 

Frozen Northern Hippies - 146/6 (20 overs)

Adblocker Required - 164/2 (20 overs)

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* = Denieria, Fhaengshia, Dalimbar & Zoran have not yet submitted official logos for their cricket team.

** = This is not the official Dilberian "cricket" team logo, we just put it there for laughs. We're not sorry.

 

                                  

[Saint Mark]

Coach Waterman paced in front of his assembled team.

"A draw isn't a bad first showing ... but it isn't good either. We can't rely on our offense to do everything. Czarnecki's four consecutive sixes followed by twos four were amazing, especially given his recent shoulder issues. Katie, your batting was so well-placed, you'd think you were using telekinesis. Tristan, nice read on when to run.

Our fielding was solid, but a little slower than what I know we can do. That cost us. Hunter, you missed a couple of easy catches, but I know you feel badly enough about it. It's ok. This is your first big tournament. You're young and nervous. You'll settle in. Lucy, I don't know how you do it. Your bowling isn't particularly fast, but more often than not you fool the batters. They seem to lose focus facing you. Hal, sometimes I feel you were over thinking your pitches. Just focus on getting into your rhythm. Your googly was terrific, though! Very well-played!

All-in-all, it was a good match. We're warming up. We're a great team. I know we'll get there!"

 

[embubbleblue]

James: "Welcome, Viewers, to the game that kicks off the Blue Runner's conquest in the T20 World Cup Tournament! How are you Jak?"

Jak: "I am actually quite excited, James, I think this Tournament is a major game move for the nation in general, and the strength of our country internationally basically relies on these guys, what about you?"

James: *Laughs* "On the worlds above, beyond, and within, You are coming back with the seriousness today! I am just excited about the game play today."
Jak: "Well there has to be someone to keep you held back. Now we are in San Dojas right now, and everything is being set up"

James: "Yup, the stadium is filling up quite nicely, if you were watching the interview on the Glenpa News yesterday-"

Jak: "Oh well, I was, I mean... I cannot wait to spot Kassacira tonight, and the team were so confident. I hope that confidence pays off in the right way today."

James: "I'll bet you 5 Blues I will see her first!"
Jak: "Ooh go on, go on"

They shake hands on the bet

Jak: "Now it is a couple of minutes before the start, let's let our studio at home go over the other current matches about to start, and we will get back to you when the game starts"

James: "Sound Idea!"

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────

James: "Welcome back to the Glenpavia Sports Network: Cricket Edition! The Teraljonska (As they say in the local language) team has just walked onto the pitch along with the Runners. I have a feeling this is going to be tough!"

Jak: "I mean, the Teralyon team is a very aggressive team according to training and the Glenpavian team are pretty defensive, so it's a very well evened match. We are just going to have to watch this out. Looks like… Yup! The Teralyons are going first for batting"

James: "Remember this is T20, so there are 20 overs in an inning, and each team has one Inning. Very Fast and very quick"
Jak: "Yup and its Evabder Sibel up to bowl. She can be ruthless with the ball."

James: "It is Zan Grabower to hit, He is tough, very strong. Leslaw is on the other wicket. Good pairing"
Jak: "We have our trusty Delkee and Trenin on wicketkeeping, Honest men"
James: "And Evabder Bowls the first ball of the runner's tournment.."

Jak: "He has only bloody gone and hit it… The ball bounces… The men are running…"

James:"The runners are quick- Look at that throw, right that's two runs for the Teralyon on the first bat. Very good"

Jak: "You have to credit them, they are great at what they do"

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Jak: "And that is the first half of the Teralyon Inning. Here is the runs board so far. Very heavy round, very impressive too."

James: "I hope everyone at home is loving the almost aggressive game play between Pakand and Kander- 3 Players out. Utterly amazing"

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────

James: "And that's it for the first Inning! What a good score to beat..."

Jak: "I think the Runners can totally beat it- just watch this space. We will be back!"

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Jak: "And we are back, for Blue Bubble's time to bat. This is going to be fun but a lot of hard work for the team."

James: "Yup, and we have Delkee and Jakano coming up to bat first. We wish them all the luck against Bowler Nayden Polonsky."

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────

James: "That's it for the first half of the second Inning, lets look at the scores!"

Jak: "Wow, the Blue Runners have really kept up with the speed of their gameplay, they may have a real chance of winning this"

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Jak: "Well, that's one way to make a statement, go Blue Runners!"

James: "That is one great win for the start of this tournament, I cannot wait to see what the guys bring to the next match!"

Jak: "The Blue Runners are leading into the next match of the round-robin, stay tuned for results of the other matches!"

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Meanwhile at the stands

"Lodi, have they found me yet?"

"No Kass, still nothing" Her advisor replies, looking at her phone as they leave the seats

"I mean, my team played so well, on the worlds above, beyond and within, When is the next game?"

"I really dont know yet. I thought you were here to do some networking?" Lodi looks up at her

She shakes her head "You know I don't trust other nations."

Lodi sighs "I mean, if you just gave them a chance?"

"If a nation which isn't Giovanniland shows me some kind of respect, then maybe, MAYBE I'll think about it?"

"You have to watch your rating though"

"That is true. I'll think about changing my mind on that then, I suppose" Kass sighs.

 

 

[Teralyon]

Pero and Franjo just finished their shift at the Teralyon Naval base located on a small island northeast of the mainland known as Sandrja, every few days before they head their separate ways home they stop at their favourite pub on the island to have a few pints and complain about some new stupid idea the mainlanders are coming up with and today was no exception...

Pero and Franjo walk into the pub known as the Plavi Galeb (Blue Seagul) and sit down at their favourite stools along the bar, the bar owner walks up, a burley perpetually angry man known to the locals as Toni.
Toni: You two lazy bums better order more then one pint this time if your going to start arguing again, id prefer to see some actual entertainment then you too just arguing over where your favourite cafe was located in Tarajeva.
Pero: Relax we already said we're sorry plus we were both right, that café is now a franchise so there's multiple places.
Franjo: Ugh... Mainlanders ruin everything. 
Toni: Whatever, keep it down I'm trying to watch the game.
Pero: What is that?
Toni: It's the Cricket World Cup! Don't you knuckleheads pay attention to anything besides this Island?!
Franjo: You know darn well we don't care about anything outside Teralyon
Toni: Then shut up and watch! Teralyon is playing!

"Welcome, Viewers, to the game that kicks off the Blue Runner's conquest in the T20 World Cup Tournament! How are you Jak?"
Franjo: Wait we have a Team? Why did they name them the Blue Runners?
Pero: Are we winning?
Toni: The game just started, and that's isn't our team, Its a GSN rebroadcast on TSPN, Now quiet! 
Franjo: Why do we have a team? Who's paying for this?
Pero: So let me get this straight, Were watching a sport on some channel across the world while I cant find a channel that covers the Teralyon Water Polo League?!
Toni: Only you watch that now order something and shut up.
Pero and Franjo both reply with "Two pints please."
Toni: Each?
Pero and Franjo just stare at Toni, Toni sighs..

"Oh well, I was, I mean... I cannot wait to spot Kassacira tonight, and the team were so confident. I hope that confidence pays off in the right way today. I'll bet you 5 Blues I will see her first!"
Pero: What are those subtitles saying? Whos that suppose to be? Can I get in on this bet?
Franjo: It's their leader. Don't you always brag about how smart and worldly you are? shouldn't you know this?
Toni: His hole world is this Island HAH!
Pero: Ha-Ha you just wait till I win.
Toni: Win what? They didn't shake your hand.
Pero: You just wait
Franjo slaps down a 20 Dinar bill, "I'm In"
Pero: See?
Toni sighs again and goes back to cleaning glasses
Pero: Oh and two gyros!
Toni: For bot.. nevermind.

"Welcome back to the Glenpavia Sports Network: Cricket Edition! The Teraljonska (As they say in the local language) team has just walked onto the pitch along with the Runners. I have a feeling this is going to be tough!"
Toni: Hey! Look! There's our team!
Franjo: Who picked THAT as the uniform? This must be funded by the Government.
Pero: What a stupid logo, do they have to slap that sword on EVERYTHING?!
Toni: Show some respect!
Franjo: He's right though, why couldn't they have some animal and a different colour for once?
Pero: Yea! like the Jevoi Swordfish on like some cool water blue?
Toni: Really? A Swordfish? That's What you want? Yes, lets replace the sword with a swordfish! Oh and lets use blue so we can look just like the other team who's already blue!
Pero: Well yea, but we could be bluer.
Toni: No We're Purple. Like we have always been and like it should be.
Pero: Fish would of been cooler though.
Toni: THEY HAVE A FISH!

"I mean, the Teralyon team is a very aggressive team according to training and the Glenpavian team are pretty defensive, so it's a very well evened match. We are just going to have to watch this out. Looks like… Yup! The Teralyons are going first for batting"
Franjo: Wait wasn't that guy on the rugby team?
Pero: Why are we always labeled aggressive in every sport, Its not our fault the other team isn't as dedicated.
Toni: I suspect it has something to do with the doping scandal after they found all those Soccer players going to facilites in Dilber
Franjo: That was never proven, stop spreading rumours.
Pero: Is that guy is holding the stick upside down?
Franjo: Reminds me of that dumb movie "Golfketball"

"The runners are quick- Look at that throw, right that's two runs for the Teralyon on the first bat. Very good"
Franjo: I don't get it, are we winning?
Pero: I think so?
Toni: How have you two never watched a cricket game?
Pero: I got more important things to do then watch some weird mainlander game.
Franjo: Look, I just want to know if we're winning.
Toni: You both are born on the mainland, stop using that as a excuse.
Franjo: I never said that, now answer my question.
Toni: No. Pay attention.
Franjo: *mockingly* I'll pay you attention.
Toni: What?
Franjo: Hey we hit the thing again!

"You have to credit them, they are great at what they do"
Franjo: We got this.
Pero: Basically slaughtered them.
Toni: You two are idiots.
Pero: Your just not patriotic, 'nother round!
Toni: Mainlanders......

"And that's it for the first Inning! What a good score to beat..."
Pero: We won!
"I think the Runners can totally beat it- just watch this space. We will be back!"
Pero: Guess not.
*Toni Laughs in the background*

 "And we are back, for Blue Bubble's time to bat. This is going to be fun but a lot of hard work for the team. Yup, and we have Delkee and Jakano coming up to bat first. We wish them all the luck against Bowler Nayden Polonsky."
Franjo: Wait, Polonsky? Like...
Toni: Yup.
Franjo: And now Cricket?
Toni: Yup.
Franjo: After the hole mess with..
Toni: Yup.
Pero: Shut up, I want to watch our Swords win
Toni: Oh now your a sword fan?

"Wow, the Blue Runners have really kept up with the speed of their gameplay, they may have a real chance of winning this"
Franjo: This is all Polonsky's fault.
Pero: Wait are we losing? How are we losing weren't we winning?
Toni: Get off your phone and pay attention and you'll find out.
Pero: Im watching videos trying to figure out what I'm watching since your no help.
Franjo: Classic Polonsky.

"Well, that's one way to make a statement, go Blue Runners!"
Pero: Huh, So we lost?
Franjo: Yea and its all Polonsky's fault
Toni: Not exactly.
Pero: How did we lose? I thought we won? This game makes so sense.
Toni: The other team just wanted the win more.
Franjo: Oh I didn't know we were going to give generic coach excuses, let me guess the Blue Runners had more heart too? 
Pero: Do they even have coaches in this game?

"That is one great win for the start of this tournament, I cannot wait to see what the guys bring to the next match!"
*Camera starts panning over the crowds*
Pero: Hey there's the Marshal!
Franjo: What the hell is he doing there?
Pero: Probably the same thing every state figurehead does.
Toni: Waste taxpayer money?
Franjo: If it was that useless politician we elected then yea id agree, but that's no politician.
Toni: Who knows or cares.
Pero: HEY LOOK ITS THE LEADER OF BLUE BUBBLE! WHERES MY MONEY!
Franjo: That's not them, they look like their hiding.
Pero: YES IT IS! 

Pero pulls out his smartphone and starts showing pictures of the Blue Bubble leader while Franjo and now Toni both refuse to look and give Pero their money, they continue arguing into the evening while the sunsets on another typical day on Sandrja Island.
 

(OOC: Thanks @embubbleblue for the fun collab)
 

 

[setne550]

General New Velkan Opinion of the ongoing Cricket Tournament:  "Although we tried to ask, Archon Carro Pino refuse to say anything about the ongoing tournaments and her view about it. Stating the aspect of neutrality in behalf of Velka. However she did muttered any team who wins, will receives a personal gift from her and unlike someone out there, Archon Carro Pino never gives cheese.

For the other Kabals; it does seem put an interest to them that some either watch it on TV or personally went to the stadium anonymously to watch the ongoing matches."

[iOctagon]

"Hello, everyone! From New Larxia, Larxia, we at Santo-Dominian Cable-Satellite Network Channel 3 bring you live coverage of the 1st T20 World Cup! Our coverage of the 1st T20 World Cup is brought to you by our generous sponsor, the shampoo brand Scalp & Dandruff! It's the shampoo brand of choice for people conscious enough about their scalp problems to buy it but not conscious enough to do some research about the scalp on the Internet! I, the corporate-friendly sellout and commercial model that is Approctoflecticus Blubberman, will be your mildly irritating host for the entire duration for the 1st T20 World Cup."

"And let's go over the results of Match Day 1! Specifically, let's take a look at the results for Group A. We've been informed that our Santo-Dominian team has won a comfortable victory against the team from Denieria, scoring 187 and then bowling them out for 94 runs. Meanwhile, our Larxian hosts seem to be enjoying playing in their home country, as they have won against the team coming from United Adaikes! So, to recap, Santos-Dominius and Larxia each have one win in Group A, while Denieria and United Adaikes have one loss each."

"Moving onto Group B! The nice people from fellow Auran neighbour Blue Bubble - or Glenpavia as they themselves call it - have triumphed over Teralyon! Seems like Polaris is not having a good time today. But wait a minute - the next result immediately proves me wrong, as Cambria has won against the team from countryside bumpkin nation Hertfordshire & Jammbo! I previously referred to Cambria by it's full name 'Tara and Cambray', but it was pointed out by me by a Cambrian friend that referring to it as such is a bit weird. So, to appease our Cambrian viewers - assuming that Cambrians watch this ad-infested underfunded mess - I shall now permanently refer to their country as 'Cambria' and not by its full name."

"Anyways, let's get to the results for Group C! The team from Auran neighbour and suspected drugland Dilber has tied with the team from another Auran neighbour of ours - major continental power and former coloniser Saint Mark! Luckily, the other Group C did not end in an unfruitful draw, as Fhaengshia won against the Giovannilandian players! So, to recap, Fhaengshia has a win under their belt in Group C, Dilber and Saint Mark share a tie, and Giovanniland has a loss."

"And finally, Group D! Alleged rogue state and gigantic landmine store Dalimbar has lost to war-torn chaos carnival Zoran! And Dalimbari neighbour and pacifist enemy Fujai has lost to the sporty Nieubasrians as well! It seems like continental infighting made Polaris have a generally bad day today on Match Day 1, with Cambria in Group C and Nieubasria here being the only two exceptions! So to recap, in Group D, Nieubasria and Zoran each have one win, while Dalimbar and Fujai each have one loss. Quite interesting!"

"And that concludes today's coverage of the T20 World Cup! It's only Match Day 1 after all, so nations that lost today still have plenty of time to bounce back and advance to the next stage. And that's why today's winners shan't get too cocky: losing often provides strong motivation for players to win the next matches, and it's that strong motivation that can drive them to ultimately beat you! I'm Approctoflecticus Blubberman, and this was Match Day 1 of the 1st T20 World Cup. Stay tuned to SDCSN Channel 3 for direct and live coverage of the Cup as well as un-skippable sponsorship advertisements, and see you on Match Day 2! Goodbye!"

[United Adaikes]

May 10, 2021 9:15 PM IAT; right after the end of the game

"We batted well," Wynne Albrektsson started, when asked how he felt after the first official international game for the United Adaikes National Cricket Team, "but we bowled and fielded awfully, that's what I want to say. We're surely going to the field tomorrow to do some bowling and fielding."

When asked about their next game with Santos-Dominius, Albrektsson replied, "We've seen a little action from them earlier, they played good. But of course, the coaching staff might have already seen something that we can capitalize during our game and get us that victory. And that'll be one thing we'll be exploiting in the practice field tomorrow, aside from bowling and fielding."

 

9:20 PM IAT; in the locker room of the Steelbats

"I know that this is everyone's first official international game," Noel Laud, the head coach, points to everyone angrily, with the redness in his face visible because of his anger, "I won't name names, but where is your professionalism?! Get your head in the game when you're playing!! The youngster can even humiliate some of you because of his attitude even if he's just new to the game!"

All the players can agree that this was the first time they saw Laud throw a fit to everyone, knowing that their coach is someone who is soft-spoken. It was only about 10:30 PM when the team left the arena for their hotel.

[Clarkov]

Nearby a construction site in San Dojas, some members of HNDK were having a pleasant discussion. Or at least, the closest thing to that.

Diego Adamov: So, anyone want some coffee? I would highly recommend it.

Reimu Hadjieva: Nah, I prefer sake if I'm honest and if not that then tea.

Diego Adamov: I'm going to resist the urge to call that blasphemy. What about you Derek, aren't you exhausted from that operation yesterday?

Derek Sokolov: Don't worry about it I'm fine. That sort of procedure actually mirrors my first ever successful operation.

Yomiel Stasyuk: If you're that good in the surgeon profession, then where the hell were you when I almost slumped over dead?!

Derek Sokolov: I can't be everywhere you know. Besides I'm not the only surgeon in the world.

Richard Hammond: Yeah Yomiel cut him some slack.

Yuuya Kovalchuk: Enough of this. What this reminds me of is that Tenjin place I was trapped in some while ago.

Kyosuke Miķelsons: If you start rambling on about Heavenly Host again I'm going to ask Derek to suture your lips shut.

Derek Sokolov: I will do no such thing!

Yuuya Kovalchuk: I'm just saying that this building site mirrors that place in that being killed in there and being killed by me are one and the same.

Diego Adamov: In what feasible way is that a truth?

Richard Hammond: More to the point, you just said that out loud in public.

Patrick Manev: Do I hear police sirens in the distance?

Patchouli Knalide: That's just Twisted Tempo.

Robert Cherganski: Okay, how is a spinning top of all things doing something like that?

Faust Ḩarełeudeiem: Mad science can get you anywhere.

Yomiel Stasyuk: I just can't figure out why someone decided to make these a thing.

Faust Ḩarełeudeiem: This one, Twisted Tempo 145WD, was originally created by the energy and environmental researcher Dr. Ziggurat. It was meant to be the perfect energy source. Clean and renewable without any of the drawbacks.

Derek Sokolov: Well that's great!

Reimu Hadjieva: From the looks of things this is no longer the case.

Faust Ḩarełeudeiem: This is true. The good doctor was found guilty of highly unethical deeds carried out for the sake of creating Tempo.

Đe Kaiser: None of that detracts from the fact that this is almost entirely unrealistic. Next you're gonna tell me that there is now a whole sport related to these things.

Dynamis Dudka: There is. This is mine, Jade Jupiter S130RB.

Kyosuke Miķelsons: Oh give me strength, the fortune teller has got one too.

Naho Sotirova: Here I was thinking that the occult stuff me and Kou dabbled in was seen as unrealistic.

Yomiel Stasyuk: That's because it plainly is. Does it make you feel alive? Also, your mentors reporting is utter twaddle.

Diego Adamov: You've done it now.

Naho Sotirova: You're known as a dead man walking. Want me to make the dead part a reality?

Yomiel Stasyuk: I'm not afraid of you.

Reimu Hadjieva: Do you want me to exterminate you both?

Yomiel Stasyuk: Like your shrine maiden position means anything.

Reimu Hadjieva: Ah- Take that back right now!

Naho Sotirova: Don't try and stop me, miko! I'm not going to let him get away with his remarks.

Eirin Yaneva: Cease this squabbling or I'll give you all a dose of the most debilitating drug I can muster.

Reimu Hadjieva: You heard Eirin, back off. I wouldn't mess with the Hourai Pharmacist.

Yomiel Stasyuk: Ugh, fine.

Naho Sotirova: Not likely. Let me at him!

Eirin Yaneva: Someone restrain her already.

Robert Cherganski: Will do.

Naho Sotirova: Unhand me you twirling freak!

Richard Hammond: This has gone really off course. We were babbling on about unethical science or something.

Patchouli Knalide: When you really think about it, occultism and science are just alternate forms of magic.

Richard Hammond: What...

Patrick Manev: You know how Maxie said that we'd gotten more realistic? You've gone straight to fantasy.

Patchouli Knalide: It's true. Arguments will not occur over it.

Eirin Yaneva: I think we're all very tired by now.

Kyosuke Miķelsons: I know I am.

Faust Ḩarełeudeiem: All I know is that this Tempo is the greatest thing that Hertfordian science has ever come up with, or just any science period.

Yuuya Kovalchuk: I suspect you're going to tell Lisa that too.

Faust Ḩarełeudeiem: If I must, then yes.

Đe Kaiser: That can't go anywhere good.

Richard Hammond: Like your performance in the loss to Cambria?

Derek Sokolov: That's a bit harsh Hammond.

Eirin Yaneva: Speaking of loss, yes we did do that, but no one ever said the path to the top was easy.

Dynamis Dudka: Do you see it too? The destiny, that has been laid out for us.

Patrick Manev: Here we go.

Richard Hammond: I see only one thing, and that's us lot and the others at the hotel on the winners podium!

Dynamis Dudka: I admire your confidence. No one can run from it, we will emerge from this T20 World Cup as the last one standing. For that is the will of the heavens, the fate determined by the stars.

Everyone present stared blankly at Dynamis, understanding the message but unsure of whether to believe in this 'will of the heavens' he put his trust in. Even still, one person wasn't paying attention. Yomiel had spotted his cat on top of a crane and guided the others' attention towards it. It was surprisingly interesting.

[Bran Astor]

8 hours ago, setne550 said:

General New Velkan Opinion of the ongoing Cricket Tournament:  "Although we tried to ask, Archon Carro Pino refuse to say anything about the ongoing tournaments and her view about it. Stating the aspect of neutrality in behalf of Velka. However she did muttered any team who wins, will receives a personal gift from her and unlike someone out there, Archon Carro Pino never gives cheese.

For the other Kabals; it does seem put an interest to them that some either watch it on TV or personally went to the stadium anonymously to watch the ongoing matches."

  

On 5/8/2021 at 5:31 AM, United Adaikes said:

Please do not post in this thread if you are not a participant. Also, no OOC posts, please.

The above post by @setne550 is nullified and does not enter canon. Please refrain from posting if you are not a participant. Thank you.

[Fhaengshia]

The Fhaendhaw Spectator

 

BOUNTY ON THE INLAND SEA

10-05-1421. story by Lurienh Geonts.

Larxia. Landing in La Marina in the deep south of Andolia, the Republic's cricket team, the Bounty Hunters, went straight to the nets to stretch their legs and get the last bit of practice in before the tournament began. Facing Darkesian Sea rivals Giovanniland in the first round of the group matches, the Bounty Hunters were not going to take unnecessary risks. Fielding first, the team weren't able to make a major impact, with the conservatively playing Aurans only losing 6 wickets but also not running away with a high run score. Knowing they just had to aim for a higher run rate, the Bounty Hunters played a straight game and while losing an extra wicket, beat Giovanniland with plenty of time to spare.

Following the draw between other Auran teams Dilber and Saint Mark in the same group stage, Fhaengshia stands at the top of the group showing what Andolian cricket is all about. The host team Larxia won their match against United Adaikes, in Group A, while Hertfordshire and Jammbo couldn't quite stop the sporting powerhouse of Cambria. Overall a good result for the continental teams. Other Auran Islander teams fared better than Giovanniland with wins going to Blue Bubble, Santos-Dominius and Zoran, with Nieubasria being the other winner of the first Match Day. 

La Marina, the host for Group C and the Bounty Hunters for now, sits on Lake Falcon; the largest lake in Andolia, and is a tourist hotspot for the region. Though it's a little further away, and not as well known as the more populous capital, New Larxia, La Marina offers a new experience for the tourists with Fhaengshian fans treated to exotic seafood cooked in the southern style. Those that came to watch the Bounty Hunters have scored a bountiful treasure in this hunt for gold.

[Larxia]

May 10th

9.20 PM IAT

"We played really well. I am happy with how the team performed. Almost all the aspects of our game was strong, the only major problem I, and most of the team found, was the unacceptable performance from the middle order. They collapsed like a toothpick structure. So we will be focusing on that perspective of our game. Sharma as amazing today, and was very important in getting us through," the Coach said in the post-match interview. "Our bowlers were outstanding, managing to limit the opposition to a mere 132 runs, in a stadium where you need to be scoring atleast 155 runs to safely defend your total," he added.

 

9.45 PM IAT

"Well done lads. That was a strong showing of your cricketing capabilities. Enjoy your first win as a team, in an important tournament nonetheless. But don't enjoy it too much. We still have a ways to go if we want to win that trophy. We will start training tomorrow for our match against Denieria the day after. So I would suggest that you rest up today. They might be a little down after such a defeat, and we need to pile onto the misery. We have to win come what may, and we will hope that elsewhere Santos-Dominius wins the match. If they manage to win against the Steelbats, then we have a guaranteed qualification. I will be reviewing their match tapes, and I tell you to train accordingly," Menaria told the team as they all sat in the locker room.

"It was a nice win lads, but the coach is right. We need to be focused. We can party all we want after we take that trophy, but till then, we are on international duty, and we will be trying our best to give the Larxian fans something to cheer for," Kohli added.

"Also, the middle order batsmen. You were very poor out there today. You need to focus on the game, and let your bat do the talking for you. You all are very capable cricketers, and I won't be dropping anyone because of one bad day, but you still need to give better performances than you just did to be in this team. That is why, you will train harder than everyone else in order to get the flow of your bat going," the coach said.

There was a general sense of happiness in the team after the victory, as they left the stadium to go back to their hotel, looking forward to training the next day, and the match with Denieria the day after, hoping to secure qualification in their second match.
 

[Aelitia]

Longtime Organized Crime Fugitive Busted In The Alcheran Riviera After Posting A Cooking Video Online By Marcell Margaran Though Polari smuggler Claude Bergara made sure to hide his face in the videos, authorities recognized his distinctive tattoos. The mobster who was on the lam in the Alchera was caught and extradited last week after posting videos of himself giving cooking tutorials on a popular video-sharing website. According to The Sentenet, Claude Bergara is a member of the Capicola family within an infamous mafia-like Covington group, which has long been increasing its reach and destructive influences. The organization is believed to be responsible for most of the cocaine that enters Polaris. Bergara had been a fugitive since June 1420, when Basric prosecutors issued a warrant for his arrest for trafficking cocaine into Nieubasria in connection with other major investigations against organized crime. According to NB News, he escaped to a Kurabian ex-pat community in the Riviera late last year, where he remained under the radar until posting a cooking video that featured himself and his wife on his video channel. It is unclear how many videos he has posted to his channel and for how long he was hosting these cooking tutorials before he was caught. Though he carefully avoided showing his face on camera, Bergara was nonetheless identified by his distinctive tattoos. The 33-year-old was consequently extradited on Monday and flown to Clarendon to face trial.  According to NB News, when asked about the possibility of extradition to face trial for the charges Bergara faces in other nations, Basric prosecutors insisted that "there are established processes and those will be followed". For the Basric authorities, Bergara's arrest was the latest in a string of operations aimed to weaken and expose the Covington syndicate. The Estates-Minister of the Prince's Peace, the head law-enforcement official in the country, issued a warning in November 1420 that Nieubasria has reason to believe that the syndicate is present "on each continent" and it called on each nation to recognize the international threat.

Bergara had been living quietly in the Alcheran Riviera for at least eight months before his arrest.     Screenshot of one of the cooking videos posted by Bergara, carefully cropped away from his face but failing to cover identifiable tattoos

 

[Bran Astor]

[Zoran]

Royal News Network

May 12, 1421

"Hello people of Zoran! I am Quiyakaso and welcome to Zoranian Ti-I mean RNN's Sports Section! Last night we saw our team triumph over the Dalimbari cricket team! I have no clue how the scoring system works so I can't really elaborate on how well we beat them but we did! At least we got a little bit of revenge for their landmines! Our team is practicing for tonight's match using...wait am I reading this right?" He squints at something behind the camera,
"Using metal baseball bats wrapped in barbed wire instead of cricket bats...I don't know how that will help improve their performance in the match but the coach has a plan and I hope that the plan will work out! The coach commented that the team is determined to win for the people of Zoran and that they want to bring something home for the people to cheer about after going through constant conflict for a year now. We here at the Royal News Network wishes them luck in tonight's match!
And coming up...holy cra-I mean and coming up is some breaking news about the War, it might be coming to a permanent end soon! I will see you tomorrow with the report of tonight's match! I am Quiyakaso and this was RNN's Sports Section!"

[Giovanniland]

Vanessa Desniowynsk: "Hey there, viewers from Giovanniland, Aura and the world! Today, myself at the Larxian city of La Marina and my colleague Carlos Nakamura Edristyn back home at Giovannistadt will present you a brief review of our first game in the T20 World Cup. The game was played against the Andolian nation of Fhaengshia, our neighbors just across the Darkesian Sea, whose team is named the Bounty Hunters. Our team fielded first and only lost six wickets, but we weren't able to gain score much as the final result was only 141 points. The Fhaengshian team then played after the Giovannilandians, and even though they lost one more wicket than our team, they were able to score 144 and ultimately won the game. Some highlights from the match were the performances of Rosangela Yang-chen, Henrique Nyima Amaral and Guillermo Farias Sanchez in their roles of wicket keeper, batsman and bowler respectively, while other players were okay."

Carlos Nakamura-Edristyn: "After our defeat to Fhaengshia, Giovanniland now sits in the bottom of Group C while our opponents are first, and the Saint Markian and Dilberian teams are tied for second place due to a tie in their first game. Due to the small amount of only 3 games, this could mean that another loss would result in an early elimination for the Giovannilandiana Equipa. Therefore, our team must win against our fellow Auran neighbors of Saint Mark if it wants to have a chance of entering the next stage called the Super Eight. In an interview, coaches Theobaldo Schmidt-Taspein and Lavanda Kharventhin have talked about the possible change in the starting team, in which some backup players such as Vanda Opheryk Marques and Frederico Vidal-Arveredo could be included in the main team while other players that underperformed would be replaced. They also said that, whichever the result of the next matches and whether our team advances to the Super Eight or not, they are still happy that Giovanniland has participated in the tournament with good sportsmanship, given that cricket is not a popular sport in Giovanniland and is often overshadowed by others such as rugby, football and volleyball. Anyways viewers, that is all for today! See you tomorrow for the report on the match against the Saint Markians."

[United Adaikes]

Results of the 2nd Match Day of the First Round

 

[Larxia]

 

Following the Blues

 

"Welcome to 'Following the Blues', your show, that gives you a behind the scenes scoop of the dressing room, and gives you news of the team, and the tournament in general," the host of the show, Maria Schmeichel said.

"As you all know, the Men-in-Blue have won both of their group stage games, against United Adaikes and Denieria. With qualification in sight, the team just needs to win or draw against their next opponents, the Santo-Dominians," the other host, Larry Hardy added.

 

 "After the amazing display of form, we now have Vice-Captain, Rohit Sharma, with us, live on air, and he will be answering some of your most asked questions. Hello Rohit, how are you doing after that win?" Hardy asked.

"Well, we're having a little fun tonight, and then it is back to training tomorrow. It does feel really good to be able to perform well in the World Cup," Sharma replied.

"So let us start with the questions, yes," Schmeichel said.

"What advice would you like to give to the younger generations, trying to get into the national team?"

"Well, all I can say is, be resilient, because out of a country of 25 million people, only 15-16 players are chosen to represent Larxia. There might be times when you cannot make the team, I'll just say, it is not the end of the world. Do not give up, keep working hard, and one day the scouts will have to notice you."

"Next question. Do you feel that the coach is facilitating the team well?"

"Of course. It is for all to see. We have won our first two matches and we're still going strong. We will be working very hard in training tomorrow. The coach wanted to focus on some things in tomorrow's training, and we will be acknowledging his inputs and will be trying to work on the problems."

"Do you think that you should have been the Captain, instead of Kohli?"

"No I do not believe that at all. Of course we all wish to be captain someday, but in the end, someone better gets the captaincy. There are no hard feelings between us, and I try to be as supportive of him as I can as the Vice Captain. Also please refrain from asking questions that might sow a seed to distrust among the team. That is the last thing we need. If you ask another question like this, I'm gonna have to disconnect and I will ensure nobody comes onto the show."

"We're extremely sorry. That will be all for today's interview. Thank you for coming on the show Rohit. Now a special match review."

 

Larxia v/s Denieria

Larxia took to the field against the team from Denieria in the second match of their T20 World Cup Campaign. The 92,000 capacity thousand stadium was a sea of blue, with barely any fans there to support Denieria.

The toss was won by Kohli, who decided that he wanted to bat first. Denieria came out to field against the in-form Larxian batsmen. "I just feel like the weather conditions would supplement a batsman in the initial 1 or 2 hours of the match," Kohli said as he explained his decision.

The match started with Kohli and Sharma in the middle. Sharma was at the striker's end. Sharma started slaughtering the opposition bowlers from his first ball, as he opened the innings with a four. To add the bowlers misery, Sharma went and hit 6 boundaries in the first over, scoring 24 runs in just 6 balls, at a strike rate of 400. Kohli on the other end was a little slow in settling into the game. He took his time and by the end of the power-play, he seemed comfortable between the wickets. At the end of 6 overs, the score was 69/0. Both the batsmen kept going about their business as the opposition bowlers got frustrated. They racked up a partnership of 137 runs, when Larxia lost their first wicket in the form of Virat Kohli. He scored an amazing 63 runs as he went back to the dugout. Replacing him was de Villiers, who is another well established batsman of Larxian cricket. He came and started the onslaught as quickly as one possibly could. Sharma and de Villiers managed to take the score to 178/1, where de Villiers got out, scoring just 22 runs, but at a strike rate of 200+. Sharma stood there at 93 runs, 7 runs away from a century, as Jos Buttler took his place at the strikers end. It was the last over of the match. Buttler hit a beautiful cover drive, but the fielder managed to stop it from going through. On the next ball Buttler completely missed the shot. On the third ball, Buttler managed to hit it somehow and managed to take a single, putting Sharma on strike. On the fourth ball, Sharma went for a boundary, but the fielder at the boundary line managed to stop it from crossing the boundary, and the Sharma ended up getting a double. Sharma was now batting at 95, as he missed the 5th ball completely. A little frustration was visibly seen on Sharma's face. There seemed to be an altercation on the pitch. The opposition bowler, who bowled an amazing 20th over, conceding only 3 tuns in 5 balls, tried to provoke Sharma. Sharma was reeling with anger. The bowler bowled an amazing ball, but Sharma dispatched it for a Six over the longest side of the stadium. He did not even bother to look at the ball as it sailed into the stands, as he took off his helmet, and stared the bowler down. He had scored the first century of the tournament, and scoring a century in a T20 game is very difficult. Larxia scored 187/2 at the end of 20 overs.

There was a 20 minute break between the two innings, to give the players a chance to rest.

The Denierian batsmen came out to the middle of the pitch. They looked a little nervous while facing the Larxian bowlers. They prepared to face the deliveries anyway. Bumrah opened the bowling, with help from Boult from the other end. The two best bowlers on the team proved that they are best, as they registered figures of 4-17(Bumrah) and 2-20(Boult). Rabada also had a good day, as he registered figures of 2-26. Ravindra Jadeja managed to scalp 1 wicket from the 2 overs he bowled, registering figures of 1-15 in 2 overs. The bowlers worked really well in defending the total of 187 runs. They managed to restrict the Denierians to a score of 144/9 in 20 overs, registering the second win for Larxia in this World Cup. The team performed really well in the field as well.

The losing captain was interviewed, followed by the winning captain. The man of the match was announced, with Rohit Sharma once again taking home the trophy and a cheque of 20000 dollars, for his amazing 101-run inning, and his exceptional display in the field.

In other Group A results, United Adaikes beat the team from Santos-Dominius by 3 wickets. We will be facing Santos-Dominius in our next match. The qualification criterion is given below in a table.

Spoiler

Larxia v/s Santos-Dominius	United Adaikes v/s Denieria	Qualification
Win	Denieria Wins	1st Place
	United Adaikes Wins
Loss	Denieria Wins	2nd Place
	United Adaikes Wins	NRR determines qualified teams in Super Eight (3-way tie with Santos-Dominius and United Adaikes

 

"That is all for today. Thank you for tuning in. We will be back with even more episodes of 'Following the Blues', where we will be following your favourite Men-in-Blue, as they go about their business in the tournament," Hardy said, as the camera cut to the outro of the show.
 

 

 

[Clarkov]

T20 World Cup Matchday 2 - Review - Victory

127/7 (20 overs)

130/9 (15.5 overs)

Hertfordia Snowstorm won against Teraljonska Cricket Tim by 1 wicket

Batting		Runs	Bats	Fours	Sixes
	Rago Niedra	67	31	7	4
	Run out
	Patchouli Knalide	6	6	0	0
	Bowled
	Robert Cherganski	25	19	0	0
	Bowled
	Richard Hammond	5	7	0	0
	LBW (Leg Before Wicket)
	Derek Sokolov	7	4	0	1
	Bowled
	Reimu Hadjieva	6	4	1	0
	LBW (Leg Before Wicket)
	Ryosuke Tīrelis	3	6	0	0
	Caught
	Naho Sotirova	3	6	0	0
	LBW (Leg Before Wicket)
	Dynamis Dudka	5	4	1	0
	Bowled
	Lisa Lazarenko	3	6	0	0
	Not out

Scorers of wickets: Patrick Manev (3), Faust Ḩarełeudeiem (4)

 

Rago Niedra - The cricket fans of Hertfordshire & Jammbo don't call him the God of Destruction for nothing. Rago was ruthless in both batting and fielding, never giving the Teralyon lot a chance to breathe. So that's the Black Sun's power, huh? We can't wait to see more of it.

Patchouli Knalide - The unmoving great library is back, and no where near as good as her last outing. Maybe it's due to the fact that her asthma was playing up more than usual in the match. Can't blame her for something like that.

Robert Cherganski - Through sheer grit and determination, earned from growing up in the slums of Great Parndon (yes they exist), Robert made his way to a respectable 25 runs. He certainly made a show of himself with all the twirling.

Richard Hammond - Very similar to Robert, apart from the clearly lesser display. He clearly didn't appreciate Roberts twirling and tried to pick a fight. He received a cane to the face.

Derek Sokolov - Lucky number seven in total runs in this match, although being lucky isn't entirely going to help HNDK win matches.

Reimu Hadjieva - The so-called 'Wonderful Shrine Maiden of Paradise' made herself known on this particular matchday. Mind you, it wasn't because of her on-pitch performance.

Ryosuke Tīrelis - Bastion of Project D, certainly unable to invoke the spirit of Touge against the Teralyon team. It can't happen every day.

Naho Sotirova - Try and imagine the most generic performance that a completely abnormal person could perform. That's what the audiences received from her. We couldn't tell what was going on because we were too busy drifting off to sleep.

Dynamis Dudka - It's hard to tell whether Dynamis is a wise and benevolent guide or just plain crazy. Either way, he struck  a 4 and then went away, probably to look for omens or something. We don't know anymore.

Lisa Lazarenko - Pretty much the same as Naho's performance, except people seem to find this prodigy a lot more interesting than the resident occultist. A voice of logic in a sea of mythical beliefs.

 

If this game epitomized anything, it's that every little helps. Much like that shop motto we saw a while back. Most of the batters got scores below 10, but combined they slowly built up the HNDK score to allow Rago and Robert to run the show. That's exactly what they done, easily sweeping the Teraljonska Cricket Tim aside and surpassing their run total with 4.5 overs to spare. This converts to 27 bats or so we think. This leaves us with 1 win, a somewhat easy one over Teralyon and 1 loss, an unfortunate one in which a late rally by Cambria allowed them to squeeze past us in a tight finish with just 5 bats to spare. Speaking of Cambria, they have already qualified as the Group B winners, having beaten the Blue Runners of Blue Bubble/Glenpavia in what might have been a routine win. This leaves the table of Group B with Cambria in first and staying there, while Teralyon are doomed to finish rock bottom of the group and with Cambria as their final match of the tournament, things don't look too good for them. The other match is where it's all at stake, for Hertfordshire & Jammbo will be pitted against Glenpavia/Blue Bubble in San Dojas' Faltech Arena. The victor of this match will qualify for the Super 8 in second, the loser will be eliminated from the T20 World Cup in third. In the event of a draw, our future opposition would go through due to holding a higher Net Run Rate (NRR). Please note that the 3 names we chose through that poll back home are switched around regularly in a 3-match cycle. This is why we were called Hertfordia Snowstorm in this match, and why Hertfordia Shrine Maidens will be the name for the upcoming match. Now we shall introduce the results of the matches with the charmingly insulting flair that you, the cricket fans of H&J, seemed to appreciate.

 

Matchday 2 - Results

--------------------------------------------------

Group A

Not To Be Confused With Fujai - 133/7 (14.5 overs)

Insert [Name Of Horrendous Sponsor] Here - 129 (18.2 overs)

 

Farce-ia 187/2 (20 overs)

Non-Player Character - 144/9 (20 overs)*

--------------------------------------------------

Group B

Islanders Complaining About Mainlanders - 127/7 (20 overs) [Eliminated from T20 World Cup]

Countryside And Not Much Else - 130/9 (15.5 overs)

 

What's Their Name Again? - 133 (18.3 overs)

That Spawny Astoric Place - 136/6 (17.2 overs) [Qualified for Super 8 as group winners]

--------------------------------------------------

Group C

Upper Class And Proud - 148/6 (16.4 overs)

Almost A Corporate Colony - 144/6 (20 overs) [Eliminated from T20 World Cup]

 

Is This Even A Cricket Team? - 144/9 (20 overs)**

Former Giovannilandian Colony - 148/6 (19.2 overs)* [Qualified for Super 8]

--------------------------------------------------

Group D

Where Unfortunate Reporters Lie - 118/5 (20 overs)*

A Border Lovers Worst Nightmare - 193/5 (20 overs) [Qualified for Super 8 as group winners]

 

Everybody Except Them Is A Heathen - 142 (18.1 overs)* [Eliminated from T20 World Cup]

Unwashed Far-Left Tree Huggers - 145/7 (19.5 overs)

--------------------------------------------------

* = Denieria, Fhaengshia, Zoran & Dalimbar have not yet submitted official logos for their cricket team.

** = This is not the official Dilberian "cricket" team logo, we just put it there for laughs. We're still not sorry.