Birmingham
India’s blind cricket teams, both men’s and women’s, have achieved a remarkable feat by securing their spots in the finals of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Games 2023, held in Birmingham. As the only country with both teams in the final, India has showcased the strength of their determination and skill, setting an inspiring example for the world. The journey of these blind cricket teams extends beyond the cricket field. Every run scored and wicket taken is a testament to their unwavering practice, honed senses, and dedication to bringing pride to their nation. While the path to the final for the women’s team was relatively smoother, the Indian men’s team faced challenges along the way. India’s journey started with a loss to Pakistan by 18 runs, but the team showed resilience, bouncing back to defeat Australia in the next match. A 7-wicket victory against England further highlighted their all-round performance. Facing Bangladesh in the following match, India encountered a tough situation, losing half their side for just 26 runs. However, impressive batting performances by players like Nareshbhai Balubhai Tumda, Sunil Ramesh, and vice-captain Venkateswara Rao Dunna, propelled India to a thrilling win, aided by 26 penalty runs from Bangladesh. In the women’s category, India’s campaign began with an 8-wicket win against Australia. The team continued their dominance by posting a massive score of 268/2 against England, with Gangavva H scoring an impressive 117 in just 60 balls. A commanding victory against Australia by 163 runs further solidified their impressive run. As both teams prepare for the finals, the nation anticipates a moment of dual glory on Saturday. Beyond a mere final, this culmination is a testament to their hard work. These teams have shown that with determination and skill, athletes can overcome any obstacle.
