Vijayawada, Dec 15 (NationPress) - Uttarakhand triumphed over the reigning champions Andhra Pradesh by a margin of 47 runs, while Gujarat and Goa also secured victories in the Nagesh Trophy Men’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2025 (8th Edition – Phase II), taking place across various venues nationwide.

In addition, the Cricket Association of Blind (CAB) Delhi, Jharkhand, Goa, and CAB Vidarbha also celebrated wins on the tournament's opening day, held at three locations - Vijayawada, New Delhi, and Gandhinagar.

The latest phase of the Nagesh Trophy was officially launched on Monday at the Dr. Gokaraju Liala Gangaaraju MSK Prasad Cricket Ground, with esteemed guests, including Supreme Court and High Court judges, in attendance.

In a significant announcement, it was confirmed that the Blind Premier League will take place in 2026, with Andhra Pradesh aiming to host the event. As part of an initiative to promote grassroots development, 26 blind cricket teams will be established across all districts of Andhra Pradesh. CABI Chairman, Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, also committed to hosting an international bilateral tournament annually in Andhra Pradesh.

Adding to the festivities, World Cup champions captain Deepika and 16-year-old Andhra Pradesh talent Karuna received cash awards of ₹1 lakh each from Shri Sarat Babu Chenna, a practicing advocate, acknowledging their exceptional contributions to blind cricket, which includes their victory in the SBI Women’s T20 World Cup – Cricket for the Blind.

The chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Sports Authority, Ravi Naidu, discussed various initiatives being introduced for blind and differently-abled athletes. He stressed that Andhra Pradesh will take the lead in providing job opportunities, cash awards, and sports programs for these players, reiterating the state’s commitment to hosting the Blind Premier League in 2026.

The excitement on the field was palpable as CAB Uttarakhand pulled off a remarkable upset, defeating the defending champions CAB Andhra Pradesh by 47 runs—a result reminiscent of India’s iconic 1983 World Cup victory against the West Indies, symbolizing a classic underdog story.

Uttarakhand's Upset

Batting first, CAB Uttarakhand amassed a challenging total of 146/4 in 16 overs, led by captain Deepak Singh Rawat who scored 82 off 58 balls. In response, CAB Andhra Pradesh was limited to 99/6 in 16 overs. Rawat’s all-round expertise earned him the Player of the Match title as Uttarakhand solidified their position in the league.

Gujarat's Commanding Win

In the second match of the day at Dr. Gokaraju Liala Gangaaraju Cricket Ground, CAB Gujarat showcased an impressive display by winning against CAB Tamil Nadu by 10 wickets.

Batting first, CAB Tamil Nadu was restricted to 83/8 in 16 overs, with Dinesh Rathva (B3) excelling with 3 wickets for just 10 runs.

In their innings, CAB Gujarat effortlessly chased down the target, scoring 84 without losing any wickets in just 5.4 overs, driven by Rathva's explosive 52 off 23 balls and Kalpesh Nimbadkar’s unbeaten 24.

Dinesh Rathva (B3) received the Player of the Match award for his outstanding all-round performance, asserting CAB Gujarat's dominance in the league.

CAB Delhi and Jharkhand's Victories

In the Phase II matches of the men's section, CAB Delhi displayed a strong performance, defeating CAB West Bengal by 9 wickets at the Talkatora Cricket Ground in New Delhi.

Choosing to bat first, CAB West Bengal was bowled out for 107 in 17 overs, with Rambir Singh leading the bowling attack with 4 wickets. In response, CAB Delhi reached the target in just 10.1 overs, thanks to an unbeaten 58 off 37 balls from Rambir Singh, who was named Player of the Match.

This emphatic victory highlighted CAB Delhi's determination as the league phase progressed.

In another match at the Talkatora Cricket Ground, CAB Jharkhand executed a strong run chase to secure a 9-wicket victory over CAB Telangana.

Batting first, CAB Telangana scored 147/6 in 20 overs, with skipper Ghazanfarullah Khan contributing 42 runs. CAB Jharkhand responded decisively, achieving 149/1 in just 15.2 overs, led by an unbeaten 67 off 48 balls from Rohit Oraon and a commendable 53 off 49 balls from Sanjeev Kerketta. Rohit Oraon was honored as Player of the Match.

This convincing win bolstered CAB Jharkhand's momentum as the league stage heated up.

CAB Goa's Victory

CAB Goa delivered a stellar all-round performance, defeating CAB Manipur by 58 runs in the IndusInd Bank Nagesh Trophy Men’s National T20 Tournament for the Blind 2025 (8th Edition – League Matches) at Kameshwar International School, Gandhinagar.

Choosing to bat first, CAB Goa scored a competitive 169/5 in 16 overs, featuring a solid 55 off 40 balls from Nilesh and an aggressive 50 off 34 balls from Jignesh Panjya (B3). Goa maintained a strong scoring rate throughout, applying early pressure on Manipur.

In reply, CAB Manipur was bowled out for 111 in 12.2 overs, despite a spirited 76 off 45 balls from Pradeep Singh (B2). CAB Goa's disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured consistent breakthroughs, hindering any partnerships.

Nilesh (CAB Goa) was rightfully named Player of the Match for his significant contributions with bat and ball, leading CAB Goa to a resounding victory in the league.

CAB Vidarbha's Dominance

In Match 2 at Gandhinagar, CAB Vidarbha showcased a commanding performance, defeating CAB Railways by 77 runs.

Batting first, Vidarbha posted a strong total of 156/3 in 16 overs, with Gaurav Zade scoring a brilliant 52 off 52 balls, supported by contributions from Akshay Chaudhary (21) and Nitesh Bhojne (10). Important extras contributed a remarkable 74 runs through wides and byes, enhancing the total.

In response, CAB Railways struggled to keep up, managing only 79/10 in 15 overs, despite a valiant 44-run effort from Akshay Verma. Vidarbha’s bowlers, led by Nitesh Bhojne and Ganpat, ensured regular breakthroughs, sealing a comprehensive victory.

Gaurav Zade earned the Player of the Match accolade for his match-winning batting display, as CAB Vidarbha solidified their standing in the league.