History was made in Colombo as India won the inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, beating Nepal by seven wickets in a commanding performance that underlined their dominance throughout the tournament. A landmark day for women’s blind cricket, the Indian team mixed discipline with fearless strokeplay to chase down a target of 115 on a big stage that had long been awaited by visually impaired women cricketers across the globe. The triumph not only fetched them a world title but also symbolized years of toil put in by players, coaches, and support staff to build a competitive and confident unit.
The final was played at the historic P Sara Oval in Colombo, and India won the toss and elected to field first. Battling first Nepal’s struggles, their batters couldn’t break free from accurate bowling and sharp fielding, eventually finishing with 114 for 5 at the end of 20 overs , a score that was always below par considering India’s batting firepower. Restricting Nepal to just a handful of boundaries, India’s bowlers made sure the asking rate would never spiral out of control once it became their turn to chase.
In response, India’s top order set the tone with positive intent, racing to three figures inside the first ten overs and effectively sealing the contest well before the closing stages. The stroke makers rotated the strike smartly, punished anything loose, and kept the scoreboard moving so swiftly that Nepal’s bowlers struggled to regain control. The chase was completed in just 12.1 overs for the loss of only three wickets, a finish that showcased both composure and clarity of game plan in a pressure-filled game.
Captain and senior players repeatedly spoke about playing “for all blind women back home,” turning every match into a statement about opportunity and representation rather than just results. Their consistency and mental toughness ensured that by the time they entered the final, India looked the most complete side in the competition.
Deepika T C and Simu Das have been honored with the prestigious ‘We The Women’ Award by Barkha Dutt, recognizing their exceptional achievements in blind cricket and stellar leadership that steered India to victory in the T20 Blind Women’s World Cup. Their dedication, skill, and resilience not only powered India to an unforgettable world title but also illuminated the remarkable growth of women’s blind cricket on the global stage. This recognition stands as a testament to their impact, inspiring countless aspiring athletes across the country.
The award ceremony became all the more memorable as Indian actor Rajkumar and national cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur joined the festivities, offering their heartfelt wishes to the champions. Their presence underscored a broader sense of pride and unity, celebrating how Deepika and Simu’s triumph sparked admiration and joy far beyond the cricketing world. The duo’s success highlights the transformative power of sport and the growing spirit of inclusivity and achievement in Indian women’s cricket.
Beyond the scorecard, though, this victory carries a profound emotional and social resonance. Congratulations poured in from across India, including from political leaders and celebrities who saluted the team’s triumph as a historic turning point in the careers of women in sports and those with disabilities. When players celebrated with the tricolour in Colombo, it was clear that this victory would inspire a whole new generation of blind women cricketers who henceforth have world champions to look up to.
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