Odisha Women scripted a glorious chapter in inclusive cricket history, clinching the Women’s National Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2026 with a commanding 32-run victory over Madhya Pradesh Women in the final at Hi-Tech Cricket Stadium, Bhubaneswar, on 22nd January 2026.
Batting first after winning the toss, Odisha posted a formidable 173/4 in 20 overs, blending composure with calculated aggression. Madhya Pradesh responded well but stumbled to 141/5 in their 20 overs, undone by Odisha’s razor-sharp fielding and disciplined bowling in a match that celebrated resilience and skill.
The path to the final showcased fierce competition. In the first semi-final on January 21, Madhya Pradesh outclassed Andhra Pradesh by 49 runs, earning their berth with a clinical all-round display. Odisha then dominated the second semi on the same day, thrashing Karnataka by a massive 93 runs to storm into the title clash on January 22. These knockout triumphs highlighted the growing depth and competitive edge in women’s blind cricket across India.
The final itself was a masterclass in poise under pressure. Odisha’s batters laid a solid foundation early, navigating the challenges of the conditions on offer, with remarkable intent and partnerships that kept the scoreboard ticking. Their bowlers, led by tactical nous, struck at crucial junctures, while the fielding unit, alert and athletic, turned potential boundaries into wickets, sealing a well-deserved championship.
Parbati Mandi (55 off 47 balls) top-scored with the bat for Odisha. In the bowling department, skipper Phula Saren (4-0-40-1), Rachana Jena (3-0-21-1), and Muni Purti (2-0-7-1) picked up a wicket each for Odisha. For Madhya Pradesh, Durga Yevle (60 off 49 balls) top-scored with the bat in the final. In the bowling department, Sunita Srathe (4-0-43-1) was the only wicket-taker for Madhya Pradesh.
Organised by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), the tournament stands as a beacon for empowering visually impaired women athletes, fostering excellence and unity in Indian sports.
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