The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, during the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, created history by shattering the attendance record for any group stage match in the tournament. A staggering 15,935 spectators packed the stadium, making it the most watched group stage match in the competition’s history. This match also marked the 100th T20 International hosted at the venue.
The Women in Blue finally secured their first win of the tournament with a convincing six-wicket victory over their arch-rivals, Pakistan. Captain Fatima Sana won the toss and elected to bat first, but the Women in Green could only manage a modest total of 106 runs. India, however, chased down the target with seven balls to spare, making a strong statement in the ninth edition of the tournament.
While the recent India-Pakistan match broke the record for a group stage match, the biggest crowd to witness a women’s cricket match remains the 86,174 strong crowd that turned out for the 2020 T20 World Cup final between India and Australia. This record-breaking attendance for the India-Pakistan match showcases the growing popularity and excitement surrounding women’s cricket, particularly in the region. It was a truly remarkable spectacle, showcasing the passion and support for the sport in the Middle East.
