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India win inaugural blind women's T20 World Cup

Phula Saren score 44 off 27 deliveries for India to help complete 115-run target in 12 overs

By AFP
November 23, 2025
India´s players celebrate after their teams victory in the first Blind Womens T20 World Cup 2025 final match against Nepal at the P Sara Oval International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on November 23, 2025. — AFP
India´s players celebrate after their team's victory in the first Blind Women's T20 World Cup 2025 final match against Nepal at the P Sara Oval International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on November 23, 2025. — AFP

COLOMBO: India beat Nepal by seven wickets in Colombo on Sunday to win the first Blind Women's T20 World Cup.

India won the toss and elected to field and restricted Nepal to 114-5.

They replied with 117-3 in just 12 overs to become the unbeaten champions in an inaugural tournament that also included Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the United States.

India's Phula Saren top-scored with 44 off 27 deliveries. Nepal's top scorer was Sarita Ghimire with 35 off 38 balls.

Sri Lanka and India co-hosted the tournament with the final at Sri Lanka's oldest Test venue, the P Saravanamuttu Stadium.

Blind cricket is played with a white plastic ball packed with ball bearings that rattle as it rolls, which allows it to be heard by players.

The bowler must ask the striker if he or she is ready and then yell "play" as the ball is delivered underarm with at least one bounce.

Each side has 11 players, like regular cricket, but at least four must be totally blind. Players are required to wear blindfolds for fairness.