India made history by winning the inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating Nepal by seven wickets in the final on Sunday. The victory capped an unbeaten tournament run for the team, showcasing their dominance in the sport.
In a commanding performance at Colombo’s P. Sara Oval, India opted to bowl first and quickly tightened their grip on the match. They restricted Nepal to 114 for five in 20 overs, with the opposition managing just a single boundary throughout their innings, reflecting India’s disciplined bowling attack.
The chase was straightforward and emphatic, as India reached the target of 117 in just 12 overs while losing only three wickets. Phula Saren anchored the innings with an unbeaten 44 off 27 balls, including four boundaries, ensuring victory well ahead of the required rate and highlighting the team’s batting strength.
This final victory completed a flawless campaign for India, who won all their matches in the six-team tournament. In the group stage, they defeated Sri Lanka, Australia, Nepal, the United States, and Pakistan, before securing a nine-wicket win over Australia in the semifinal. Nepal had advanced to the final after edging out Pakistan in the other semifinal clash.
The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, began on November 11 and featured matches across New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Colombo. It adhered to standard blind-cricket regulations, with teams fielding B1, B2, and B3 category players and using an audible white plastic ball designed for the sport.
Individual brilliance was also on display, with Pakistan’s Mehreen Ali emerging as a standout performer. The partially sighted player scored over 600 runs in the competition, including a remarkable 78-ball 230 against Sri Lanka and 133 against Australia, underscoring her talent despite her team’s elimination.
India’s triumph adds to the country’s growing accolades in women’s cricket across formats, celebrated by fans and fellow athletes alike. Ahead of the final, Indian women’s cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues expressed support on social media, reflecting the broader enthusiasm for this landmark achievement.
This win not only marks a significant milestone for blind cricket but also promotes inclusivity and recognition for athletes with disabilities. It sets a precedent for future editions of the World Cup, inspiring increased participation and support for adaptive sports worldwide.
