Nagesh Trophy: Maharashtra beat Rajasthan; Karnataka thrashed Kerala in league matches
Maharashtra Clinches Win Over Rajasthan; Karnataka Blasts Kerala in Nagesh Trophy
Hubali – Dec. 26 (IANS) – In the second round of the eighth Nagesh Trophy, the men’s blind T20 tournament that has become India’s premier competition for visually‑impaired cricketers, Maharashtra edged Rajasthan by three wickets, while Karnataka delivered a spectacular victory against Kerala at the Railway Sports Ground.
Maharashtra vs. Rajasthan
Rajasthan began the match by posting 158 for 8 in their full 20 overs, powered by 44 from Vishanu Bhiya and a steady 25 from Rohitas Pareek. Maharashtra, batting second, chased the target in just 19.5 overs. The innings was anchored by B3 Anil Belsare’s 76‑run knock, earning him the Player‑of‑the‑Match title. Parmeshwar also contributed a quick 29. The bowling was a tight affair, with Swapnil Dilip Wagh and Amol Karche containing Rajasthan’s runs and keeping the chase interesting.
Karnataka vs. Kerala
Karnataka dominated the day with a staggering 320 for 2, led by a blistering 186 off 78 balls from Sunil Ramesh and a brisk 59 off 34 from Bhaskar B2. Gudadappa added 38, helping the side set an almost unreachable target. Kerala, despite a not‑out 49 from Ahad B3 and a 31 from Arjun P, could only manage 146 for 7. Karnataka’s bowlers—Lokesha B2 (1 for 5) and B1‑Basappa Waddagolu (1 for 8.5)—sealed the win, while Sunil Ramesh earned yet another Player‑of‑the‑Match award.
About the Nagesh Trophy
The tournament, organised under the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) with support from the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, features 29 state and union‑territory teams. They compete in six groups, playing a total of 56 league matches in the first phase. Group winners from A, B, C, and D automatically advance to the Super 8 stage, while the next two places are decided by Net Run Rate. Teams from Groups E and F face the 7th and 8th placed squads from Groups A–D in eliminators, with the two victors securing the final spots for the Super 8.
Named for the late S. P. Nagesh, founder president of CABI and a stalwart of blind cricket development, the trophy has been held annually since 2018–19. Andhra Pradesh entered this year as defending champions after knocking Delhi out in the previous final.
The matches in Hubali underscored the growing skill and competitive spirit of Indian blind cricket, with both Maharashtra and Karnataka showcasing exemplary teamwork and sportsmanship.
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