India’s blind women’s cricket team made history by winning the first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup. They outclassed Nepal by seven wickets at the P Sara Oval in Colombo on Sunday, November 23, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament to claim the trophy.
In the final, Nepal struggled throughout their innings and posted a modest total of 114 runs in their 20 overs. Sarita Ghimire was their top scorer with 35. Jamuna Rani Tudu and Anu Kumari took one wicket each for India.
Chasing the target, India lost two early wickets, including captain Deepika TC (6) and Anekha Devi Devi B2 (2). Karuna K (42) and Phula Saren (44*) then stabilised the innings with a 51-run partnership. Towards the end, Basanti Hansda (13*) guided India home, completing the chase in just 12.1 overs. Only Dillisara Dhamala managed to claim a wicket for Nepal, while the other two dismissals were run-outs.
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, congratulated the players on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“Congratulations to the Indian Blind Women’s Cricket Team for creating history by winning the inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup! Even more commendable is the fact that they remained unbeaten in the series. This is indeed a historic sporting achievement, a shining example of hard work, teamwork and determination. Each player is a champion! My best wishes to the team for their future endeavours. This feat will inspire generations to come.”
The chairman of the International Cricket Council, Jay Shah, also praised the achievement on X, saying: “Congratulations to the @blind_cricket Indian team for winning the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, an event that redefines the limits of ‘ability’ and inspires differently abled athletes in India and around the world.”
India won all five matches in the group stage before reaching the final by defeating Australia by nine wickets in the semi-finals. Nepal, meanwhile, beat Pakistan by seven wickets to reach the final.
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