Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
India’s blind women’s cricket squad etched their names in history by winning the first-ever Blind Women’s Twenty20 World Cup on November 23, 2025. The climax of the tournament took place at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where India's team outperformed Nepal, emerging victorious by seven wickets.
After winning the toss, India opted to field first, managing to limit Nepal to a score of 114 runs for 5 wickets. In a commanding chase, India reached the target, scoring 117 runs for 3 wickets in just 12 overs, highlighting their prowess and tenacity throughout the tournament.
Phula Saren led the batting performance for India, netting 44 runs off 27 balls, crucial to securing the team's triumph. Nepal's Sarita Ghimire contributed with a valiant 35 runs off 38 balls in a stout effort for her side.
The tournament was co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, featuring teams from various nations including Australia, Pakistan, the United States, and Nepal. The final match occurring at Sri Lanka’s oldest Test cricket venue added a historical dimension to the event.
Blind cricket stands out as a special adaptation of the game, using a white plastic ball filled with ball bearings that rattles to aid players in locating it through sound. Furthermore, various rules are designed to accommodate differing visual abilities among players, with all participants donning blindfolds, and fielders using applause to signal their locations.
Each squad comprises 11 players, including a minimum of four completely blind athletes (B1 classification). Runs scored by B1 players are doubled to incentivize their involvement, whilst players with partial sight are categorized as B2 or B3 depending on their visual capability.
India’s achievement is a moment of pride that signifies the commitment, energy, and dedication of the team. Their landmark victory promises to inspire more athletes with disabilities to engage in the sport and display their abilities on an international platform.
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