India has emerged victorious in the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup, securing a seven-wicket win against Nepal in the final held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This landmark achievement comes just weeks after India’s triumph in the Women’s One-Day International World Cup, further cementing the nation’s growing prowess in cricket. The tournament, which featured six teams—India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the US—was played in a round-robin format. India’s captain, Deepika Gaonkar, was visibly emotional as her team clinched the title. Blind cricket employs a unique set of rules, including the use of a plastic ball with metal bearings that produce a jingling sound, and players are categorized by their level of vision: B1 (fully blind), B2, and B3. Teams must include a mix of all three categories, and the ball is bowled underarm along the ground. B1 batters use runners for safety, and each run they score counts as two. In the final, India restricted Nepal to 114 runs for five wickets and successfully chased the target in just 12 overs, losing only three wickets. Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India, emphasized that this victory would inspire many women and individuals with disabilities across the country to pursue cricket and other sports. The Indian team, comprising players who have overcome significant challenges, received a grand welcome in Chennai, with another reception planned in Bengaluru. The victory has been widely celebrated by politicians and cricket legends alike, with federal minister Amit Shah calling it a ‘historic day for Indian sports’ and former captain Mithali Raj praising the team’s resolve and dedication. The World Cup, which began on November 11 in Delhi, moved to Karnataka before concluding in Sri Lanka.