The IBSA World Games commenced on 18th August 2023 in Birmingham. It was kind of a historic moment for the Indian women’s blind team as it was the first time ever that women’s cricket was included in the World Games. In this article, we will have a look at how things panned out in India’s first game in the IBSA World Games.
Indian skipper Varsha Umapathi won the toss and opted to field first against Australia. Australia got off to a steady start, before losing their opener CB Buakhao, courtesy of a run-out. Wicket-keeper batter J Neumann followed opener CB Buakhao back to the pavilion courtesy of yet another run-out. Australia ended up with a below-par total (59) in their quota of overs.
🇮🇳 INDIA beat 🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA!
India chased down the target in just 6.5 overs, registering a thumping win over Australia at the World Games 2023. #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/lasjgAU2P0
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) August 21, 2023
Australia failed to get any sort of momentum right through their innings. C Casey was the lone warrior for Australia scoring 24 runs off 56 balls, she kept losing partners at the other end. She was the only batter in the lineup to enter the double digits. V Ravani (4-0-11-1) and J Birua (3-1-4-0) were the pick of the bowlers for India.
Chasing a target of 60, the Indian women’s team got off to a terrible start, losing both the openers G Neelappa and J Birua in the first over itself. Indian skipper Varsha Umapathi was joined by B Hansda at the crease. The duo took the team over the line with an unbeaten 52-run partnership for the third wicket. B Hansda was the top scorer for the Indian team with 25 off 21 balls.
The clinical performance from the bowlers powered the Indian women’s team to a thumping victory over Australia to kickstart their campaign in the IBSA World Games.