Moratuwa [Sri Lanka], July 13 : The India Deaf Women's cricket team won the T20 series, defeating the host Sri Lankan Deaf Women's cricket team in a series whitewash this week. The landmark tour marked the Indian deaf women's team's debut on the international stage.
According to a press release, the team played four matches at the De Soysa International Cricket Stadium in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. On 13th July, Team India won the fifth and final match by seven wickets after restricting the Sri Lankan team to 40/10 in 13.5 overs in the first innings.
The final match was followed by a grand closing ceremony attended by Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Sports, Sri Lanka, and Maitrey Kulkarni, Deputy High Commissioner of India, as Chief Guests, along with Sugath Wasantha, Member of Parliament, Sri Lanka, as Guest of Honour. At the ceremony, the trophies were presented to the champion and runner-up teams by the Chief Guest, Maitrey Kulkarni, Deputy High Commissioner of India.
Speaking on the occasion, Sumit Jain, President, Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA), said the performance of the Indian women's team here in Sri Lanka shows that, just like their male counterparts, the Indian Women's Deaf Cricket Team is also ready to take on and dominate the international platform.
"I am truly grateful to the Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket Association and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sri Lanka, for their valued partnership and generous support this past week. I am also thankful to the sponsors, the management, and the ground staff at De Soysa International Stadium for the wonderful job they did over the past week. I once again congratulate all the players from India and Sri Lanka on this historic feat and wish them the best for the future."
Commenting about the landmark series, Jaswinder Narang, CEO, Villoo Poonawalla Charitable Foundation, said the performance this past week has shown the world that nothing can hold India back when it comes to cricket, and that our passion for the sport knows no boundaries. "I congratulate the team on this landmark achievement and thank the Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket Association and the host nation for their incredible hospitality."
Present on the occasion, Roma Balwani, CEO, IDCA, said that to win their first-ever international T20 series 4-0 on debut is an extraordinary feat by our women cricketers.
"These athletes are role models who have put Indian deaf women's cricket on the global map. We are deeply thankful to the Serum Institute of India, the Cyrus Poonawalla Group, and our hosts in Sri Lanka for their partnership. It would not have been possible without you. I would also like to thank the Sri Lankan women's team for the amazing competition they displayed over the past week."
Awards:
Player of the Final Match: Shradda Vaishnav (India)
Best Bowler of the Series: Chandani Khan (India)
Best Batter of the Series: Needa Zabi Shaikh (India)
Player of the Series: Reddy Jyoshna (India).