Historic Triumph for India in the First Blind Women’s T20 World Cup

Post by : Raina Nasser

On November 23, 2025, India's blind women’s cricket team etched their name in history by claiming victory in the first-ever Blind Women’s Twenty20 World Cup. The final, hosted at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, saw India overpower Nepal by seven wickets, marking a defining moment in the tournament's legacy.

Winning the toss, India opted to bowl first, successfully limiting Nepal to 114 runs for 5 wickets. In response, India made an impressive chase, scoring 117 runs for 3 wickets within just 12 overs, underscoring their prowess and resilience throughout the competition.

Phula Saren gained recognition as India’s standout performer, scoring 44 runs from 27 balls. Meanwhile, Sarita Ghimire contributed valiantly for Nepal with 35 runs off 38 balls.

This groundbreaking tournament, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, featured teams from various countries including Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the United States, and Nepal. The final took place at one of Sri Lanka’s oldest Test cricket venues, lending an extraordinary significance to the occasion.

Blind cricket is a modified version of the sport, played with a rattling white plastic ball filled with ball bearings, allowing players to locate it through sound. The sport includes unique rules tailored to accommodate varying levels of vision. To ensure fairness, players are blindfolded, and fielders communicate their locations with claps.

Teams comprise 11 players, with no fewer than four players classified as completely blind (B1), with runs scored by these individuals counting double to foster their involvement. Players with partial sight are designated as B2 or B3, depending on their vision capabilities.

India's triumph not only celebrates their achievement but also symbolizes the relentless determination and spirit of the team. This landmark victory is set to inspire countless athletes with disabilities to embrace the sport and exhibit their skills on an international platform.