Odisha emerged champions in the inaugural edition of the Womens National T-20 Cricket Tournament for Blind after registering a comprehensive 87-run victory over Karnataka in the final at DDA Sports Complex, Siri Fort in New Delhi today.

Odisha, after compiling an imposing total of 218 for eight in 20 overs, restricted their opponents to a total of 131 for eight in 20 overs to clinch the title. Odisha captain Lina Swain (B2) and Padmini Tudu (B1) were adjudged as the Player of the Match for their brilliant effort in the batting as well as in fielding.

Padmini chipped in with a crucial 16 runs while, skipper, Lina scored important 33 runs to rescue her team out of initial struggle and then played a crucial role in running out two opposition batswomen.

U Varsha (B1) of Karnataka, Basanti Hasda (B2) of Odisha and Jharkhand skipper Geeta Mahto (B3) were awarded as Player of the Series.

Earlier, electing to bat, Odisha openers Basanti Hasda and Manu Purty were dismissed in the very first two deliveries of the match. However, Phula (39 off 27 balls) and Lina (33 off 35 balls) steadied the innings and laid foundation for fourth 200-plus total in as many matches in the tournament for Odisha. For Karnataka U Varsha claimed two wickets in four overs.

In reply, Renuka Rajput (25 runs off 27 balls) and B Jayalakshmi (30 runs off 33 balls) laid the foundation for Karnataka with a 66-run opening partnership. However, post the Renuka and Jayalakshmi departure, other batswomen failed to maintain the momentum.

BRIEF SCORES (Final): Odisha 218 for 8 in 20 overs (Phula Soren 39, Lina Swain 33; Varsha U 2-47, Deepika 1-10) beat Karnataka 131 for 8 in 20 overs (Jayalakshmi 30, Renuka Rajput 25) by 87 runs.
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PHOTO: Players of champion Odisha team pose with their trophy in New Delhi on 19 December 2019.