Bengaluru: The Women’s Top 56 Cricket Tournament for the Blind commenced today in Bengaluru, showcasing 56 of India’s finest visually impaired women cricketers from 16 states. Organised by the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) in collaboration with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and supported by NTT DATA under its CSR initiative, the tournament will select the top 16 players to represent India at the first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind in November 2025 across New Delhi, Kathmandu, and Bengaluru.

Tournament setup and preparations

Ahead of the competition, players underwent rigorous training at an intensive coaching camp. The participants were divided into four squads—India Red, India Blue, India Yellow, and India Orange—with selectors from CABI closely monitoring performances to shortlist players for the World Cup squad.

Day 1 match highlights

India Orange vs India Yellow

  • Batting first, India Yellow posted 114/6 in 20 overs, with Rachana Jena scoring 45 (B2).

  • India Orange chased the target comfortably in 17 overs, winning by 6 wickets.

  • Simu Das struck a brisk 50 (B1), while Simranjeet contributed 44 (B2).

  • Player of the Match: Simranjeet (India Orange).

    • India Blue vs India Red

    • India Blue put up a formidable 192/4 with solid knocks from Annu Sharma (66, B1) and Kavya N R (72, B3).

  • In response, India Red stunned with a record-breaking 193/0 chase in just 17.3 overs.

  • Opener Karuna Kumari (B1) smashed her maiden century, an unbeaten 114 off 58 balls, supported by Anekha Thakur’s 62 (B2).

  • Player of the Match: Karuna Kumari (India Red).

    • What’s next

    Day 2 will see India Yellow take on India Blue while India Red face India Orange, with selectors continuing to assess player consistency.

    Beyond cricket: a holistic initiative

    The tournament is not just about on-field performance. Supported by NTT DATA, the programme also includes life skills training, digital literacy, financial literacy, stipends, and higher education support for players, ensuring their holistic growth beyond cricket.

    Conclusion

    The strong start by India Orange and India Red, highlighted by Karuna Kumari’s historic maiden century, has set an exciting tone for the tournament. With World Cup selection on the line, the coming matches promise to be both competitive and inspiring, showcasing the talent and determination of India’s visually impaired women cricketers.