Ray Sportz Web Desk: South Africa tightened their grip on the second Test on Monday, declaring their second innings at 269 for 5 and leaving India an improbable 549-run target on a wearing fourth-day surface at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

The visitors, who already held a commanding position after posting 489 in the first innings and bowling India out for 201, chose aggression over caution as they accelerated through the morning. Tristan Stubbs once again led the charge with a fluent 94, falling agonizingly short of a century but ensuring South Africa’s lead swelled beyond India’s reach. Ravindra Jadeja offered resistance with the ball, returning figures of 4 for 62, but his effort was insufficient to halt the Proteas’ momentum.

Set a mountain to climb, India’s chase faltered almost immediately. Yashasvi Jaiswal looked promising but edged out for 13, while KL Rahul followed for 6, leaving the hosts wobbling at 27 for 2 by stumps. With 15.5 overs faced, India now stand not only far from the target but also perilously close to a defeat that would seal the series for South Africa.

As the final day approaches, India’s task has shifted from the realm of unlikely heroics to sheer survival. The pitch has shown increasing signs of deterioration, providing both seam movement and turn—conditions that South Africa’s bowlers are expected to exploit ruthlessly.

With the visitors firmly in control, the final day’s script hinges on whether India can summon enough resistance to push the contest into the afternoon, let alone threaten a miraculous comeback. For now, survival appears their only realistic ambition.

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.

Sourav Roy, Colombo: Indian Women’s team showcased a classy performance at Sri Lanka’s iconic P. Sara Oval, as they are through to the finals of the 1st Women’s T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind with a dominant 9-wicket win over Australia. The innings was anchored by Player of the Match Basanti Hansda, whose composure and class defined India’s chase.
With a damp outfield after overnight showers, India’s decision to field first proved decisive. The bowling and fielding unit held Australia under tight control — highlighted by skipper Deepika’s brilliant run-out that shifted the momentum India’s way.

Australia’s B2 batter Julie Neumann battled for 25 (28), while B3 players Chanakan Buakhao 34 (33) and Courtney Lewis 14 (14) kept the scoreboard moving, aided by 20 extras.

Chasing with confidence and clarity, India turned the semi-final into a show of dominance. B3 spark Ganga Kadam set the rhythm with a fluent 41 (31). B2 star Basanti Hansda, who earned Player of the Match honours, anchored the innings with a superb 45 (39). B1 striker Karuna finished the job in style with an explosive 16 off just 5 balls. India sailed to 112, sealing a resounding 9-wicket win and booking their spot in tomorrow’s grand finale.