India defeated a tough opponent like Australia in the semifinals. This time, the women made history by winning the final as well. Beating Nepal by 7 wickets, the ‘Women in Blue’ remained unbeaten to become champions of the Blind Women’s T20 World Cup.
Nepal had entered the final by defeating Pakistan by 7 wickets in Colombo. Against the same Nepal side, India secured an easy win. Within just 21 days of Harmanpreet & Co.’s global triumph, another world title has come home. This was the first-ever edition of the tournament and India made it unforgettable.
On Sunday, India captain T.C. Deepika won the toss and chose to field first. Nepal managed only 114/5 in 20 overs. India’s Yamuna Rani Tudu and Anu Kumari took one wicket each. In reply, India chased the target in just 12.1 overs. Phoola Saren top-scored with an unbeaten 44 off 27 balls the turning point of the match. K. Karuna added 42 off 27 balls.
The Blind Women’s World Cup, featuring India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the USA, began on 11 November in Delhi, with some matches also played in Bengaluru. The knockout stage was held in Colombo. From nine Indian states Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, Assam and Bihar 16 players made it to the national squad. They were introduced to cricket through school teachers, disability organisations, and community camps.
Team manager Shikha Shetty said, “Most players come from rural backgrounds. Language was a challenge, and so were social barriers. But they overcame everything not just to play, but to make the nation proud.”
