KATHMANDU, Feb 8: Nepal’s women blind cricket team that completed a historic 4-0 clean sweep against the home team in Pakistan has returned Nepal on Thursday.

National Sports Council (NSC) Member-Secretary Keshav Kumar Bista welcomed the team that won the first women’s blind Twenty-20 International (T20I) cricket series 4-0 in a five-match series at Tribhuwan International Airport on Thursday.

The Nepali national team that won the first match of the series by 10 wickets, however, could not play its second match as it was abandoned due to rain. But, it won the next three matches comfortably to claim the first international series. 

Nepal’s team captain Bhagawati Bhattarai complained that even though the women’s blind cricket team was able to win matches in international level, the government hasn’t provided sufficient resources to the team. 

“It has been only six months ago when Pakistan women’s blind cricket team started training,’’ Bhattarai said, “But, they are more resourceful than us. So, they played very well despite their preparation for short time.’’ 

“We have been getting good consistent results despite having limited resources and facilities. I want to request the government to give priority to the blind cricket as well,’’ added Bhattarai.

Mankeshari Chaudhary, who became the first blind woman cricketer to hit a half-century and the best player of ‘B’ category, said that the government hasn’t given priority to blind cricket like the other games. 

“Before the first match, I was a bit nervous about how the team will perform and how I will be performing. But, we won the first match within first five overs, and that helped us gain confidence,’’ Chaudhary said. 

“Players of other sports are awarded with big rewards and also are provided with resources and facilities, but blind cricketers never get any attention,.’

 
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