India secured the inaugural Blind Women T20 World Cup 2025 by defeating Nepal by seven wickets in the final at Colombo’s P Sara Oval International Cricket Stadium on 23 November. Captain Deepika Gaonkar guided the team to chase 115 in 12 overs after bowling out Nepal for 114 for five, marking a milestone in disability cricket across South Asia.
This victory underscores the rise of inclusive sports in the region, where teams from India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka competed. It signals broader access to cricket for women with visual impairments, boosting participation and recognition in a cricket-obsessed subcontinent.
The Final: India vs Nepal Blind Cricket Final
The match unfolded under clear skies in Colombo. India won the toss and chose to field. Nepal batted first. The openers built a steady partnership. They scored boundaries with precise placements. The total reached 114 for five wickets in their 20 overs. India’s bowlers applied pressure early. They took key wickets at regular intervals. The fielding remained sharp throughout. Nepal’s batters fought back with singles and twos. Yet the scoreboard never accelerated beyond control.
India began the chase confidently. The openers set the tone. They rotated the strike effectively. The required rate stayed manageable. By the 10th over, half the target was down. Nepal’s bowlers tried variations. But India’s batters adapted quickly. The winning runs came in the 12th over. A boundary sealed the seven-wicket victory. The scoreboard read 115 for three. The crowd erupted in applause. Players from both sides exchanged handshakes. This moment captured the spirit of the India vs Nepal blind cricket final.
Deepika Gaonkar, the blind cricket captain, led from the front. She anchored the innings. Her calm decisions shaped the outcome. After the final ball, she broke down in tears. Teammates surrounded her in a huddle. The emotion reflected months of preparation.
Deepika Gaonkar: Blind Cricket Captain’s Leadership
Deepika Gaonkar took charge as captain early in the tournament. She motivated the squad during practice sessions. Her experience in domestic blind cricket proved vital. Gaonkar scored crucial runs in prior matches. In the final, she steadied the middle order.
Gaonkar comes from a background of determination. She joined the sport through local academies. Her selection followed rigorous trials. As blind cricket captain, she balanced strategy and encouragement. Teammates Credit her for fostering unity.
Post-match, Gaonkar spoke briefly. She highlighted team effort. Her leadership extended beyond the field. During travel from Karnataka to Sri Lanka, she organised team talks. This approach built resilience. The victory added to Gaonkar’s legacy. She now eyes further development in the sport. Her story resonates with aspiring players. Gaonkar’s role in the Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 win sets a benchmark.
Blind Cricket Rules and Celebrations
Blind cricket follows specific adaptations. Players divide into categories: B1 for fully blind, B2 and B3 for partial sight. Each team fields a mix of these groups. This ensures fair competition. The ball contains metal bearings. These create a jingling sound. Bowlers deliver underarm along the ground. Batters listen to track the ball. B1 players use runners for safety. Each run scores as two. Fielders rely on sound and calls. Wickets fall on standard dismissals. No sight aids are permitted. These rules level the playing field.
Celebrations followed the rules’ spirit. After India’s win, players lifted the trophy together. They posed with medals and jerseys. Blue and saffron colours gleamed under stadium lights. Handshakes with Nepal showed sportsmanship. The team danced in a circle. Captain Gaonkar held the trophy high. Fans chanted names. This outpouring marked blind cricket rules and celebrations in action. The event highlighted joy in achievement.
Back in India, welcomes amplified the festivities. The squad landed in Chennai on 24 November. A grand reception awaited. Crowds lined the streets. Drums beat rhythms. Families waved flags. Later that day, Bengaluru prepared another event. Airport officials arranged protocols. Politicians joined the greetings. These moments extended the celebrations nationwide.
Reactions and Team Journey
The win drew praise from leaders. Federal minister Amit Shah called it a historic day for Indian sports. He noted the tricolour’s pride. The achievement mirrored resolve and dedication. Mithali Raj, former women’s team captain, shared thoughts online. She said some victories remind that no challenge limits talent. Her words reached wide audiences.
Yuvraj Singh, ex-cricketer, posted support. He praised courage and skill. The champions made the country proud, he added. These reactions spread quickly. Social media buzzed with shares. Fans discussed the blind cricket final’s impact.
The team’s journey started in villages and small towns. Many players hail from farming families. They learned cricket in recent years. Hostels provided training grounds. Bowler Simu Das originates from Assam. Her village lacks facilities. Yet she honed skills through dedication. Das took wickets in the semi-final. She hopes the victory inspires others like her. Trials selected the squad. Coaches focused on fitness and technique. The group bonded over shared experiences. This preparation led to the title.
The tournament spanned locations. It opened in Delhi on 11 November. Matches then shifted to Karnataka. The final moved to Sri Lanka. This itinerary tested logistics. India topped the round-robin. They beat Pakistan and Sri Lanka convincingly. Australia and the US added variety. Nepal emerged as surprise finalists. Each game built momentum. India’s balance of batting and bowling shone. The final capped a flawless run.
The victory links to recent successes. India claimed the Women’s One-Day International World Cup weeks prior. This double boosts morale. Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India, spoke on effects. He said the win encourages women and persons with disabilities. Pursuit of cricket and other sports will grow. His organisation supports development. Camps and leagues expand reach. This event accelerates those efforts.
Players like Das embody the change. From remote areas to world stage. Their stories fill gaps in representation. The squad’s diversity reflects India. Northeast, south, and central regions contribute. This mix strengthens the team. Coaches emphasise discipline. Daily routines include sound drills. Matches simulate pressures. The final’s composure showed results. Fans now demand more events. Coverage increases visibility. Schools eye introductory programmes.
The win elevates blind cricket’s status. It joins mainstream narratives. South Asian media follows closely. Future squads draw from this pool. Young talents watch replays. Inspiration flows freely. The trophy tour plans emerge. Visits to academies motivate. Gaonkar leads outreach. This chapter closes on triumph. Yet the story continues.
Background of Blind Women T20 World Cup 2025
The inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 featured six teams: India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the US. It used a round-robin format. The event began on 11 November in Delhi, India. Subsequent matches occurred in Karnataka state. The final took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 23 November. India remained unbeaten throughout.
What’s Next
Organisers plan expanded editions. More nations may join. Training academies will multiply in South Asia. India wins Blind Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 paves the way for sustained growth in disability sports.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, November 25th, 2025
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram, and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
