South Zone men’s team defeated North Zone by 35 runs in the final of the International Purple Fest Goa 2025 Men’s Zonal T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind at Ponda sports complex, on Thursday.
The championship saw spirited participation from all four zones – East, West, North, and South. After a series of competitive matches, it was North Zone and South Zone, who showcased consistent performances to secure their spots in the final.
Batting first in the final, South Zone men posted an imposing 167/5 in 15 overs, powered by a breathtaking knock from Sunil Ramesh. Sunil Ramesh remained unbeaten on 104 off 55 balls, smashing 16 fours and a six, while Abdul Munaz provided vital support with a fluent 41 from 27 deliveries. All five dismissals in the innings came via the run-out mode.
In response, North Zone faltered in their chase, managing 132/9 in the allotted 15 overs. South Zone’s Budipudi Ashok Reddy delivered a match-winning spell, claiming four crucial wickets that dismantled North’s middle order. Despite valiant resistance, North Zone fell short, handing South Zone a well-deserved 35-run triumph in the summit clash.
Organised by the Government of Goa in association with Bhatikar Charitable Trust, Goa Cricket Association, and Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled , the tournament celebrated inclusivity and sporting excellence, drawing attention to the talent and resilience of visually impaired cricketers from across India.
