India blind women’s T20 World Cup: India wins the first Blind Women’s T20 World Cup after defeating Nepal in Colombo, marking a significant moment for the development of visually impaired women’s cricket.
India Secures First Blind Women’s T20 World Cup Title
The Indian blind women’s cricket team claimed the inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup title on November 23 in Colombo. India defeated Nepal by seven wickets at the P Sara Oval after completing the chase with 12.1 overs to spare. The victory capped an unbeaten run in the tournament.
India opted to field first and restricted Nepal to 114 for 5. Phula Saren led the chase with an unbeaten 44 off 27 balls. Captain Deepika TC guided the team through key moments in the match.
India’s Unbeaten Campaign
India remained unbeaten through the league stage. The team defeated Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Australia, the United States and Nepal in the group matches. A nine wicket win against Australia in the semifinal confirmed India’s position as the tournament favorite.
The final was played under International Blind Cricket Council regulations. The squad included B1, B2 and B3 category players. The match used a white plastic ball with bearings that helped players detect movement through sound. Many players came from rural backgrounds and had limited access to formal sporting infrastructure before entering the national program.
Significance for Inclusion and Women’s Sport
The win has been noted as a milestone for visually impaired women athletes. The tournament was co hosted by India and Sri Lanka after a nationwide effort to identify and train visually impaired women cricketers.
Mahantesh GK, chairperson of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India, stated that the aim was to ensure equal opportunities for visually impaired women athletes.
Wider National Response
Leaders and sports bodies congratulated the team for its achievement. Statements from government officials and former players highlighted the growing attention toward para and blind sports in India.
Observers believe that the result could increase support for training programs, sponsorship and awareness of women’s blind cricket. The victory is expected to contribute to the expansion of para sports at the grassroots level.
Outlook for the Sport
Cricket officials expect the World Cup to create long term pathways for more structured competition. The event is seen as a starting point for more international fixtures and broader development of visually impaired women’s cricket.
Mahantesh GK noted that the success of the team indicates the potential for further advancement as more players enter the system.
Notable Performances in the Final
Phula Saren’s unbeaten 44 was the highest score of the match. The bowling unit maintained consistent pressure on Nepal throughout the innings. Nepal’s Sarita Ghimire top scored for her team with 35 runs.Summary:
India won the first Blind Women’s T20 World Cup after defeating Nepal by seven wickets in Colombo. The result highlights the rising profile of visually impaired women’s cricket and is expected to support further development of the sport across the country.
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