The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup doubleheader at Edgbaston Stadium on Sunday 14 June broke the record for the highest attended group stage fixture in the history of the tournament.
The confirmed attendance of 18,814 for the games between Bangladesh and the Netherlands and India against Pakistan is an official record, with the stadium being confirmed as a sell-out on the morning of the two fixtures.
This comes just two days after almost 15,000 people turned out at Edgbaston for the tournament’s curtain-raiser between England and Sri Lanka.
Edgbaston Stadium Head of Ticketing, Hospitality and Membership, Gareth Howells, said: “It was incredible to see so many people pack out Edgbaston on Sunday for two great games of cricket.
“Edgbaston is one of the best stadiums in the world to watch the game, and with the T20 World Cup bringing the eyes of the world to the West Midlands, it was fantastic for everyone involved that the doubleheader was a sell-out.”
The capacity crowd got to witness two exciting games on the day, as Bangladesh held their nerve against tournament debutants Netherlands to win by six wickets with five balls remaining in the day’s opener.
Bangladesh bowled first and were able to restrict the Netherlands to 139 for eight, with Babette de Leede’s 50 off 45 balls helping Netherlands reach a competitive total. In reply, Bangladesh produced their highest successful run chase in Women’s T20 World Cups. Opener Juairiya Ferdous struck 50 off 33 balls to set the tone, before an unbeaten 37 from Sharmin Akhter steered Bangladesh past the winning mark in the final over.
One of the biggest fixtures in world cricket concluded the day, with India coming out on top by 64 runs.
Batting first, a 48-ball 66 by Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order before 34 off 17 balls towards the end of the innings by Richa Ghosh propelled India to 170 for six from their 20 overs. Muneeba Ali (41 off 35) got Pakistan’s chase off to a good start, but the fall of regular wickets saw their hopes diminish as they were eventually all out for 106 in 17 overs.
The final ICC Women’s T20 World Cup fixture to be held at Edgbaston Stadium takes place between Pakistan and South Africa at 6:30pm on Wednesday 17 June.