Wombats Roll Over Rakuten in Japan Cup Opener

by Devon Snyder

With regional conflict postponing the much beloved Indian Premier League, the cricket loving masses were desperately searching for a world class equivalent to serve as a suitable alternative. I’m not entirely sure where they ended up, probably watching BBL reruns, but there was T20 Cricket played in Yokohama on a gorgeous Mother’s Day this past Sunday.

After winning the toss, the Wombats decided to bat first, but got off to a bit of a rough start. Evan Hitchman and Alok Thapa combined for a total of 4 runs before some hot bowling tumbled Alok’s wicket. Yours truly made his long awaited cricket debut, before quickly being bowled out for a duck. Evan would be caught, but not before hitting four boundaries and retiring with 19 runs. The middle order of Kenny Dobson, Aiden Sarawan, and Ieuan Hames contributed a combined total of 15 to the effort. Louis Chan would lead the Wombats with 20 runs in an outstanding individual effort, before being caught. It seemed all hope was lost, until the closing partnership of Ash Canning and Sanira Shimizu combined for a total of 21, due to some controversial bowling that added 7 runs on 3 wides. Allegations of match fixing were levied at our esteemed opponents by Wombats who decided to wager on the final score.

With a total of 104/8 going into the bottom of the innings, the Wombats defended their total with some outstanding bowling and fielding. Kavin Jinasena took 3 wickets and had a run economy of 1.25. Lewis Chan took 2 wickets, and the dynamic Welsh duo of Joe Lewis and Ieuan Hames took one wicket each. Fielding wickets came in the form of catches by Sanira Shimizu, Louis Chan, Kavin Jinasena and run outs from Alok Thapa, Ash Canning, and yours truly.

All in all, a resounding success for the Wombats, and it is only a matter of time before Japan T20 Cricket supplants the IPL in viewership. Mark my words.