In a resounding victory, India has clinched the title of the first-ever Blind Women's T20 World Cup, marking a historic moment for the nation and inclusive cricket. The Indian team remained undefeated throughout the tournament, showcasing their dominance and skill. The final match, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, saw India defeat Nepal by seven wickets, solidifying their position as champions.
The final took place at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium, Sri Lanka's oldest Test venue. India won the toss and elected to field, a decision that proved fruitful as they restricted Nepal to 114 for 5 in their 20 overs. Nepal's Sarita Ghimire was the top scorer for her team with 35 runs off 38 balls.
India's chase was clinical and efficient, reaching the target in just 12 overs with a score of 117 for 3. Phula Saren emerged as the star performer for India, scoring an unbeaten 44 off 27 deliveries, including four boundaries. Her performance guided India to a comfortable victory and earned her accolades.
The tournament featured six teams: India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the United States of America. The event began on November 11 in New Delhi, with some matches also held in Bengaluru before the knockout stages moved to Colombo. In the semi-final, India secured a commanding nine-wicket victory over Australia, while Nepal advanced to the final by narrowly defeating Pakistan.
Earlier in the tournament, India showcased their prowess with a series of dominant wins:
- Defeated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets
- Defeated Australia by 209 runs
- Defeated Nepal by 85 runs
- Defeated the United States by 10 wickets
- Defeated Pakistan by 8 wickets
Blind cricket has specific rules to ensure fair play and accessibility. A white plastic ball filled with ball bearings is used so players can hear it. The bowler must ask the batter if they are ready and shout "play" as they bowl underarm with at least one bounce. Each team has 11 players, and at least four must be totally blind (B1 category). Players are required to wear blindfolds. Fielders clap to indicate their position. Partially sighted players are classified based on their vision, with B2 players able to see up to two meters and B3 players up to six meters. Each team can have up to eight B1 players, and any run scored by a B1 player counts as two.
This victory comes shortly after the Indian women's team defeated South Africa in Navi Mumbai, highlighting the growing prominence of women's cricket in India across all categories. India's journey to the title not only underscores their consistency but also marks a significant milestone for blind cricket, paving the way for increased recognition and development of the sport in the years to come. The inauguration of the event was attended by dignitaries from various sectors, all united in their support for these inspiring athletes.
