India won the first-ever T20 Blind Women’s World Cup on Sunday after defeating Nepal by seven wickets in the final at the P Sara Oval in Colombo. India bowled out Nepal for 114 for 5 and chased the target with ease, finishing at 117 for 3 in just 12 overs. Nepal managed only one boundary in their entire innings, showing India’s strong control over the match. Phula Saren led India’s chase with an unbeaten 44.
India had entered the final after beating Australia in the first semifinal, while Nepal defeated Pakistan in the second. Co-hosts Sri Lanka won only one match in the group stage, against the USA.
Pakistan’s Mehreen Ali was the standout batter of the tournament, scoring over 600 runs. Her performances included a 230 off 78 balls against Sri Lanka and 133 against Australia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian team for their historic win, saying their unbeaten run shows “hard work, teamwork and determination.” He wrote on X that the victory “will inspire generations to come.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also praised the team, calling it “a historic day for Indian sports.” ICC chairman Jay Shah said the win “redefines the limits of ability” and will inspire athletes across the world.
India’s victory came after a strong bowling performance that restricted Nepal, followed by a confident chase led by Saren, who struck four boundaries in her 44 not out. The win comes just weeks after the Indian women’s team beat South Africa in Navi Mumbai, adding to the rise of women’s cricket in both mainstream and visually impaired categories.
The six-team tournament featured India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia and the USA. It began on November 11 in Delhi, continued in Bengaluru and concluded with the knockout matches in Colombo.
