1st Women’s Blind T20 World Cup India crowned champions as Nepal finish runners-up

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 24: Nepal-W finished runners-up as India clinched the title of the 1st Women’s T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Sunday. The Nepali team went down to India by seven wickets in the final. India remained unbeaten to secure the maiden title.

India chased down the victory target of 115 runs posted by Nepal in 12.1 overs, losing three wickets. After openers Deepika Thambalahatti (B3) and Anekha Devi (B2) fell cheaply, Karuna Kumari (B1) and Phula Saren (B3) steered India closer to victory. 

Karuna scored 42 off 27 balls before being bowled by Nepal’s Dilisara Dhamala (B3). Saren then partnered with Basanti Hansda (B2) to ease India home.

Hansda added 13 off 12 deliveries. Saren, who remained unbeaten with 44 from 27 balls, was named Player of the Final. Dhamala was the only wicket-taker for Nepal.

Earlier, batting first, Nepal also lost three early wickets before posting 114 for five in 20 overs. Bimala Rai and Sarita Ghimire revived Nepal’s innings after the side reeled to 30/3 inside eight overs. 

Captain Binita Pun (5), Mankeshi Chaudhary (8) and Susma Tamang (6) departed cheaply. Rai struck a run-a-ball 26 before being run out in the 17th over. 

Ghimire remained unbeaten with 35 from 38 balls. Binita Somai (B3) was also not out on nine from nine balls, while Ishara Maya Lungeli (B1) was dismissed for a duck. Nepal benefited from 25 extras conceded by India.

Jamuna Rani Tudu (B1) and Anu Kumari (B1) each dismissed one Nepali batter for India, while three Nepali batters were run out. 

With the title win, India bagged a cash prize of Sri Lankan Rs. 1,500,000, while Nepal pocketed Rs. 900,000.

Nepali captain Binita Pun admitted her side could not execute their plans against a strong Indian team. 

“We tried to execute our plan as much as we could. Though we did our best in the final, congratulations to India for the title. We are taking a positive message from this tournament. Whoever won, cricket won today,” Pun said.

Sushma Tamang and Manishi Chaudhary of Nepal were adjudged Players of the Series in the B1 and B2 categories respectively. 

Mehereen Ali of Pakistan was named Player of the Series in the B3 category. Each Player of the Series received a cash prize of Sri Lankan Rs. 75,000.

On the road to the final, Nepal defeated Pakistan by seven wickets, while India eased past Australia by nine wickets in the semi-finals. 

In the league stage, Nepal’s only loss came against India. Nepal-W defeated Pakistan by 10 wickets, Sri Lanka by nine wickets, Australia by eight wickets, and the USA by 10 wickets.

The World Cup for the Blind was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The league match against Pakistan, along with the semi-finals and final, were played in Colombo, Sri Lanka.