England Women will take on Australia in front of a record crowd at Edgbaston for the first Women’s Ashes Vitality IT20 on Saturday 1 July following unprecedented demand for tickets.
The biggest crowd for a women’s game in England, excluding world events, is 15,187 achieved at Lord’s for last year’s ODI against India.
But the clamour for tickets – fueled by the popularity of women’s cricket in Birmingham and the success of women’s cricket at last year’s Commonwealth Games – means sales have now surpassed that previous high attendance with over 19,000 now sold.
And with three months still to go before the world’s two top-ranked women’s sides meet at Edgbaston, the stage is already set for an evening to remember.
Sales & Marketing Director, Alex Perkins said: “We’re set for a historic summer of Ashes cricket.
“Since going on sale last September, demand for our Women’s Ashes IT20 has been extremely high with Edgbaston once again proving to be a venue that fans around the country and world want to visit.
“For ticket sales to pass the previous women’s attendance record with three months still to go, all with paid-for tickets, is an incredible achievement and a reflection of the rapidly growing interest in women’s sport across the region.
“But we’re not done here. We want to break more records and the next ambition is to sell out Edgbaston, so if you’re yet to get your tickets join us for this special occasion.”
England and Central Sparks star Issy Wong said she expects the atmosphere to be electric and hopes the crowd can roar the side on to Ashes glory.
“The atmosphere at Edgbaston is always special,” said Wong, who’s currently playing in front of big crowds with Mumbai Indians at the Women’s IPL. “But the prospect of being cheered on by up to 20,000 fans is something else.
“Obviously I’ll be doing everything I possibly can on the field and in training to be part of that Ashes squad. It would be a very proud moment to walk out in front of a record crowd at my home ground.”
The Aussies continue to set the standard in women’s international cricket having recently been crowned T20 World Cup winners for the sixth time.
Australia boasted three of the top seven run scorers in South Africa but it was England – led by free-scoring Nat Sciver-Brunt – who hit the tournament’s highest innings in a 213/5 win over Pakistan. That’s the highest score ever in a women’s T20 World Cup.
Wong added: “There’s some amazing talent on both sides: Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy are in great form with the bat for Australia while Nat was the T20 World Cup’s second top run scorer and Sophie Ecclestone took the most wickets.
“I can’t wait for the game; the anticipation for the Ashes series is already building. Everyone in the crowd at Edgbaston can play a part in cheering on the side and hopefully roaring the girls on to a famous win.”
Only limited tickets are now left for the Women’s Ashes IT20 at Edgbaston, with some stands already sold out. Adult tickets are available from only £17, while under 16s are £5. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.edgbaston.com.
Over 10,000 sold for Women’s IT20 vs Pakistan
Pakistan Women will be in Birmingham on Saturday 11 May 2024 and over 10,000 tickets have already been sold.
With the Men’s IT20 already sold out, this is your last chance to see Pakistan at Edgbaston next summer and tickets are available from only £17, with under 16s £5.
