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India is celebrating a historic achievement as the country's women cricketers won the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup for the blind on Sunday. They defeated Nepal by seven wickets in the final, held in Sri Lankan capital Colombo. This victory, coming just weeks after India secured its first Women's One-Day International World Cup, is anticipated to significantly boost sportspersons with disabilities across the nation. The tournament featured six teams—India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the US—competing in a single round-robin format.
Blind cricket uses a plastic ball with metal bearings that jingle, and players are grouped by sight: B1 (fully blind), B2 and B3. Teams must field a mix of all three. The ball is bowled underarm along the ground. B1 batters use runners for safety, and each run they score counts as two.
In the final, India restricted Nepal to 114 runs for five wickets after opting to field first - and successfully covered the chase in just 12 overs, losing three wickets.
"This victory will encourage many women and many other persons with disabilities across India to pursue cricket and other sports," Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India said.
The Indian team included players who had overcome immense challenges to find a spot in the squad. Many of them, coming from villages, farming families and small-town hostels, have learnt the sport only in the past few years.
The team received a "grand welcome" in Chennai on Monday morning, with another reception planned at Bengaluru airport later in the afternoon, Mr Kivadasannavar said. Many politicians and cricket legends shared their joy at the victory.
Calling it a "historic day for Indian sports", federal minister Amit Shah said: "Our Tiranga tricolour today flutters higher with pride at your achievement. Your triumph mirrors your resolve and dedication to win honours for the nation."
The World Cup began on 11 November in Delhi. The venue then moved to the southern state of Karnataka and later to Sri Lanka.
