The Indian blind cricket teams (both men’s and women’s) have made the country proud by qualifying for the finals of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Games 2023 as a result of their electrifying performance in Birmingham, in a momentous display of strength, perseverance, and sheer skill.
India has popularised blind cricket around the world by having both its men’s and women’s teams compete in the IBSA World Games final, serving as a testament to what perseverance and tenacity can accomplish.
The obstacles that the blind cricket teams overcame extend beyond the cricket ground. Each run scored and wicket taken has been the consequence of arduous practise, hours spent sharpening their senses, and a pure dedication to upholding the honour of the country.
In the IBSA World Games 2023, the women’s team had an easy time getting to the finals, but the Indian men’s squad occasionally had to struggle to get there.
Last week, when the two sides’ campaigns in the ongoing competition began, India had fallen to Pakistan by an 18-run margin in the opening encounter. The Men in Blue didn’t give up though, and they fought back hard against Australia to win the following match.
Read More
India’s cricketers put on an all-around performance to upset the tournament’s hosts England by 7 wickets in their second victory of the competition.
India’s next game was against Bangladesh, and the Men in Blue were in a difficult situation chasing 148 after losing half of their team in just six overs for just 26 runs.
Nareshbhai Balubhai Tumda (28), Sunil Ramesh (20), and vice-captain Venkateswara Rao Dunna (30) all put in outstanding batting performances, though, to assist India go near to the objective.
In the end, Bangladesh were assessed 26 penalty runs, which helped India reach 165/7 in 17 overs and give the Men in Blue an exciting victory.
On Friday, India and Bangladesh met again in the semifinals, and this time, the Men in Blue wasted no time in thrashing the Tigers to advance to the championship game.
In contrast, India began their campaign in women’s cricket with a victory over Australia by an impressive 8 wickets. India played England in the second match, and they came out swinging, scoring 268/2 in the allocated 20 overs, with Gangavva H blasting 117 in 60 balls. By a score of 185 runs, England was defeated.
India continued their dominance of cricket on Wednesday by crushing Australia by 163 runs in the third game.
The nation anticipates Saturday’s dual victory as these two teams prepare for the championship game. It’s not really a conclusion, but rather a culmination of a lot of effort.
The teams have demonstrated via their trip that nothing is impossible and that an athlete can overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.
In the IBSA World Games’ inaugural cricket summit match, India’s men’s team will face Pakistan in the finals while the women’s squad will play Australia. On Saturday, both games will take place at Edgbaston Cricket Stadium.
-IANS
