Indian Deaf cricket team sweeps South Africa 3-0 in T20Is, 2-0 in ODIs
Synopsis
India's Deaf cricket team completed an unbeaten tour of South Africa, sweeping the T20I series 3-0 and ODIs 2-0 at Pretoria. Virender Singh's dual-format brilliance and India's balanced squad depth proved decisive. The tour underscores growing institutional backing for deaf cricket through BCCI and ICC support, elevating the sport's competitive standing globally.
Key Takeaways
Indian Deaf Cricket Team won all three T20Is and both ODIs against South Africa at Sinoville Cricket Club, Pretoria .
Virender Singh named Player of the Series in both formats; also best batsman and bowler in T20Is, best bowler in ODIs.
Sai Akash awarded best batsman in ODI series.
India chased 108 and 109 in T20Is; posted 157 for 3 in the third match, restricting South Africa to 85 .
IDCA organised the series with BCCI support and recognition from Deaf International Cricket Council and Asian Deaf Cricket Association .
The Indian Deaf Cricket Team completed a dominant tour of South Africa, winning all three T20Is and both ODIs against the hosts at Sinoville Cricket Club in Pretoria. The series, organised by the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) with support from the BCCI and recognition from the Deaf International Cricket Council and Asian Deaf Cricket Association, showcased competitive deaf cricket at the highest level.
T20I dominance
India's T20I sweep began with a chase of 108 for a three-wicket win, followed by an eight-wicket victory after chasing 109. In the decisive third match, India posted 157 for 3 and restricted South Africa to 85, securing a commanding 72-run victory. The visitors' batting depth and bowling consistency proved decisive across all three encounters.
ODI series clincher
The ODI leg saw India maintain their momentum. They chased down 118 in the opening match for a seven-wicket win, then edged a tighter contest in the second ODI, successfully pursuing 2032-0 sweep. The final match underscored India's ability to perform under pressure in close finishes.
Individual brilliance
Virender Singh emerged as the series' standout performer, earning Player of the Series honours in both formats. He also claimed the best batsman and bowler awards in T20Is and the best bowler accolade in ODIs. Sai Akash was named best batsman in the ODI series, reflecting India's balanced squad depth.
Diplomatic recognition
The closing ceremony featured IDCA officials, support partners, and both teams. In a symbolic gesture, team captain Virender Singh and IDCA President Sumit Jain presented Acting High Commissioner Banu Prakash with a signed jersey and cap, highlighting the diplomatic significance of the tour.
Looking ahead
Sumit Jain, IDCA President, said the players' preparation and competitive spirit resulted in the dominant performance. Roma Balwani, IDCA CEO, noted that hosting the series in Pretoria strengthened India-South Africa relations and elevated deaf cricket's profile as a competitive sport. The IDCA also acknowledged Jay Shah, ICC Chairman and BCCI head, for supporting disability cricket initiatives, signalling institutional backing for the sport's growth.
Point of View
Deaf cricket has moved beyond grassroots into competitive federation-backed tournaments. Virender Singh's dual-format dominance mirrors elite cricket's demands, proving that skill and preparation transcend ability categories. The tour's diplomatic dimension—gifting the High Commissioner a signed jersey—reflects India's growing soft-power play through sports inclusion, a narrative mainstream cricket media often overlooks.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final result of the Indian Deaf Cricket Team's tour of South Africa?
India won all three T20Is and both ODIs, completing a 5-0 series sweep. They defeated South Africa convincingly across both formats at Sinoville Cricket Club in Pretoria.
Who was named Player of the Series?
Virender Singh was named Player of the Series in both T20I and ODI formats. He also won the best batsman and bowler awards in T20Is and the best bowler award in ODIs.
What were India's chase scores in the series?
In T20Is, India chased 108 (won by 3 wickets), 109 (won by 8 wickets), and posted 157 for 3 in the third match. In ODIs, India chased 118 (won by 7 wickets) and 203 (won by 1 wicket).
Who organized the deaf cricket series?
The Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) organized the series with support from the BCCI. The series was recognized by the Deaf International Cricket Council and the Asian Deaf Cricket Association.
What makes this tour significant for Indian deaf cricket?
The tour demonstrates institutional backing for deaf cricket through BCCI and ICC support, elevating it from grassroots to federation-backed competitive tournaments. It also strengthened India-South Africa relations and showcased deaf cricket as a competitive sport globally.
