The Indian women’s blind cricket team etched their names into sporting lore by clinching the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating Nepal by seven wickets in a thrilling final at the P. Sara Oval stadium in Sri Lanka on Sunday.
The triumph, capping an impeccable unbeaten run, arrives just weeks after India’s women’s team lifted the standard T20 World Cup.
Captain Deepika TC’s leadership shone through as India opted to field first, with their bowlers delivering a disciplined performance to bundle out Nepal for 114 for five in 20 overs. The audible white ball, a hallmark of blind cricket, zipped through the air under underarm deliveries, testing the batters’ instincts honed by sound and touch.
Nepal’s innings featured steady contributions, but India’s fielders, comprising players from B1 (fully blind), B2 (partially sighted), and B3 (low vision) categories, remained unerring, mandating the required mix across the squad.
Chasing a modest target, India stormed to 117 for three in a mere 12.1 overs, propelled by Phula Saren’s explosive 44 off 27 balls. Her aggressive strokeplay, relying on the ball’s distinct rattle, dismantled Nepal’s bowling attack and sealed the chase with plenty to spare.
Earlier in the tournament, Saren and her teammates had dismantled strong challenges, including a nine-wicket semi-final rout of Australia and convincing league-stage wins over Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the USA, and even Nepal.
The six-team event, organized by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) in collaboration with international bodies, kicked off on November 11 in Delhi before shifting to Colombo for the knockouts. It marked a milestone for the sport, which has long thrived among men. India’s men’s blind side has won multiple ODI and T20 titles. But the sport was only formalized for women in 2019.
The squad, mentored by CABI’s dedicated coaches, drew from rural heartlands, with players like vice-captain Ganga Kadam from Maharashtra crediting family support for her journey from a farmer’s daughter to international star.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the feat as a ‘shining example of hard work, teamwork, and determination,’ while Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the ‘remarkable victory’ that elevates the national flag. Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya called it a testament to ‘Nari Shakti,’ sharing celebratory videos of the team’s huddle on social media.
The latest success builds on India’s broader blind cricket legacy, including a gold at the 2023 IBSA World Games. Yet, it highlights ongoing needs such as enhanced scouting, accessible training facilities, and greater visibility to nurture talent from remote areas.
As the champions returned home amid fanfare, Deepika TC reflected, ‘We’ve shown that barriers are only in the mind. This cup is for every girl who dreams beyond sight.’ With women’s cricket surging, bolstered by icons like Jemimah Rodrigues, who offered pre-tournament encouragement, the blind team’s story adds an appreciated layer of inclusivity.