Ray Sportz Web Desk: India carved their name into sporting history on Saturday, emerging as the inaugural champions of the Women’s T20 World Cup – Cricket for the Blind 2025 with a decisive seven-wicket victory over Nepal at the P Sara Oval. The thrilling finale was further elevated by the presence of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, whose attendance underscored the growing global spotlight on women’s blind cricket. The championship clash began with Nepal choosing to bat first after losing key early ground. India’s disciplined attack paid off when B2 Sunitha Srathe dismissed Nepal skipper Binita Pun for just 5 in the second over. Nepal recovered through Sarita Ghimire’s gritty 35 off 38 balls and Bimala Rai’s quick 26 off 26, supported by 25 extras, taking the total to a defendable 114/5 in 20 overs. India’s chase, however, got off to a shaky start, with captain Deepika and star batter Anekha Devi falling early to Ghimire’s fiery spell. But the innings soon transformed into a showcase of resilience. B1 Karuna powered the comeback with an explosive 42 off 27 balls, while B3 Phula Saren anchored the innings with a match-winning 44 off 27. Basanti Hansda added a steady 13 to steer India to 117/3, sealing the nation’s first-ever Women’s Blind T20 World Cup crown. Phula Saren (B3) was named Player of the Match. Player of the Series honours went to Nepal’s Sushma Tamang (B1), Nepal’s Mankeshi Chowdhary (B2), and Pakistan’s Mehreen Ali (B3). In a celebratory gesture, Chintals Group announced a cash prize of INR 1 lakh for each Indian player, with promises of further support. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya hailed the athletes as “true inspirations,” applauding their courage and commitment. She emphasized that Sri Lanka was honoured to host a milestone event advancing disability inclusion and women’s participation in sport. “When guided by vision, discipline, and purpose, the dreams of women and persons with disabilities in sport are not just possible — they are unstoppable,” she remarked. Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Chairman of CABI, praised both finalists for raising global standards in women’s blind cricket. He urged Sri Lanka to strengthen pathways for its visually impaired women cricketers, noting, “These athletes have proved their talent — now they deserve the systems and backing to soar even higher.” The award ceremony was attended by distinguished diplomats, sports administrators, and corporate leaders, including Ms Meenakashi Lekhi, Mr Santosh Jha, Mr Sulthan Shah, and global representatives from Australia, the United States, and India. India’s triumph signals a transformative chapter for women’s blind cricket — a victory built on grit, solidarity, and a collective belief in redefining what is possible.

Ray Sportz Web Desk: In a dramatic low-scoring contest at Eden Gardens, South Africa defeated India by 30 runs on Day 3 to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. The match, which swung from one side to the other over two days, ended in a tense final session as India, chasing a modest 124, were bundled out for 93.
India resumed the morning at a vulnerable position, requiring a little over 100 runs with plenty of time in hand. But any hopes of a steady chase were shattered early as South Africa’s spinners and seamers exploited the unpredictable Kolkata surface. Off-spinner Simon Harmer emerged as the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 4 for 21, while the rest of the attack maintained relentless pressure.
The pitch once again became the centre of debate, displaying variable bounce and sharp turn. Indian batters struggled to negotiate the spinners, and no partnership of substance materialised. India were also hampered by the absence of skipper Shubman Gill, who was ruled out of the match due to a neck spasm, adding further instability to the batting order.
South Africa’s position of strength was built on captain Temba Bavuma’s gritty, unbeaten 55 in the second innings — an effort that proved match-defining on such a difficult surface. His calmness amid chaos helped the visitors post 153, setting India a tricky target that ultimately proved too steep.
The victory marked South Africa’s first Test win on Indian soil in 15 years, breaking a long-standing drought and injecting confidence into a side rebuilding under Bavuma’s leadership.
For India, the loss raises questions about strategy and temperament on challenging pitches. With only one Test left in the series, the team will need a sharp turnaround to avoid a rare home series defeat.

Ray Sportz Web Desk: Heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw by a spirited Dempo SC in their Group A encounter of the AIFF Super Cup at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, on Tuesday evening.
The result has thrown the group wide open, setting up a nail-biting finale as all eyes now turn to the much-anticipated Kolkata Derby against East Bengal on October 31.
Mohun Bagan, despite dominating possession and creating several clear-cut chances, failed to find the breakthrough. Their attacking trio looked sharp in patches, but Dempo’s disciplined backline stood tall, marshalled effectively by their experienced goalkeeper, who produced a series of crucial saves to deny the Mariners.
Dempo, for their part, were far from passive. The Goan outfit threatened on the counter, with a couple of close calls in the second half that nearly silenced the Bagan faithful. Their resilience earned them a valuable point and kept their slim qualification hopes alive.
The stalemate leaves Group A on a knife-edge. East Bengal currently lead the standings on goal difference, meaning Mohun Bagan must win the derby to progress to the semifinals. East Bengal, meanwhile, need only a draw to secure their passage. Dempo remain outsiders but could still advance if they secure a big win over Chennaiyin FC and the derby ends level.
As the Super Cup enters its decisive stage, drama is guaranteed — and the nation’s oldest football rivalry may yet decide who marches into the last four.