India, led by skipper Deepika TC, had a flawless campaign in the league stages of the Inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind 2025, hosted partly by India and Sri Lanka. Australia won one fixture in the league stages, which also included a wash-out game. The 1st semi-final featured unbeaten India against Australia, led by skipper Courtney Webeck, at the P Sara Oval.
India won the toss and opted to field first, backing the bowlers to land the first blow in a knockout game. The Australian unit struggled to gain momentum in the innings as the Indian bowlers kept chipping away, taking wickets at regular intervals.
Chanakan Buakhao (34* off 33 balls), Julie Neumann (25 off 28 balls), and Courtney Lewis (14 off 14 balls) were the top performers with the ball for Australia, as they posted a competitive total of 109/9 in their quota of 20 overs. Skipper Courtney Webeck (2 off 4 balls) got out in an unusual manner in the form of a hit-wicket.
Simaranjeet Kour (2-0-6-1), Anu Kumari (3-0-21-1), Jamuna Rani Tudu (4-0-30-1) and vice-captain Ganga Kadam (2-1-5-0) were the star performers with the ball for India.
Chasing a target of 110, the Indian openers Basanti Hansda and vice-captain Ganga Kadam landed a hammer blow on the Australians’ hopes with a massive 93-run opening partnership.
A moment of brilliance in the field from Courtney Lewis in the 11th over of the innings ended Basanti Hansda’s stay (45 off 39 balls) at the crease, providing the much-needed 1st breakthrough for Australia. Karuna K (16* off 5 balls) joined Ganga Kadam (41* off 31 balls) at the crease, and the duo sent the Aussies packing with an unbeaten 12-run partnership for the 2nd wicket. India sealed the run chase with 9 wickets in hand and 49 balls to spare.
Adeline Roe (4-0-32-0) and Courtney Lewis (4-0-34-0) were decent with the ball for Australia. The Indian vice-captain Ganga Kadam’s impressive all-round impact, returning with an impressive spell (2-1-5-0) with the ball and then chipping in with an unbeaten (41* off 31 balls) with the bat, guiding her side over the line in the run chase. Her knock included three boundaries.
The win has ensured the Deepika TC-led India books their spot in the grand title clash of the Inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup 2025. The Inaugural champion of the tournament will be decided on 23rd November 2025 (Sunday).
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