India Creates History with Unbeaten World Cup Triumph
In a spectacular display of skill and determination, the Indian blind women's cricket team scripted history on Sunday by winning the inaugural Blind Women's T20 World Cup. The team maintained a flawless record throughout the tournament, culminating in a commanding seven-wicket victory over Nepal in the final held at Colombo's P. Saravanamuttu Stadium.
A Flawless Campaign to the Title
India's journey to the championship was nothing short of dominant. The team outplayed every single opponent in the six-team event, securing wins against Sri Lanka, Australia, Nepal, the United States, and Pakistan during the league stage. Their path to the final was sealed with an emphatic nine-wicket semifinal victory over Australia. Nepal, their opponents in the summit clash, had earned their spot by narrowly edging out Pakistan in the other semifinal match.
Final Showdown: A Display of Supreme Control
Winning the toss and choosing to field first, India immediately seized control of the final. Their bowlers applied relentless pressure, successfully restricting Nepal to a total of 114 for 5 in their 20 overs. The Nepalese innings struggled to find momentum, managing only one boundary throughout. Sarita Ghimire was the lone warrior for Nepal, anchoring their effort with a patient 35 runs off 38 balls.
The Indian chase was both straightforward and emphatic. They chased down the target of 115 with ease, reaching 117 for 3 in just 12.1 overs. The innings was powered by a brilliant, match-winning knock from Phula Saren, who smashed 44 runs from just 27 deliveries. Her explosive innings, which included four boundaries, ensured the contest was settled well before the final stages, keeping India far ahead of the required run rate.
Tournament Context and Broader Impact
The historic World Cup, which was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, began on November 11 and saw matches played across venues in New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Colombo. All games were conducted under standard blind-cricket regulations, featuring teams with B1, B2, and B3 players and using the characteristic audible white plastic ball.
While India lifted the trophy, other players also left their mark. Pakistan’s Mehreen Ali emerged as one of the tournament's standout performers, amassing over 600 runs. Her remarkable feats included a stunning 230 runs off 78 balls against Sri Lanka and a 133 against Australia.
This landmark victory adds to a growing list of achievements for India in women's cricket across various formats. The team received encouragement ahead of the final from star cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues, who posted an Instagram story urging them to "make it 2 in 1 year girls!"
