The third and final T20I between India Women (India-W) and West Indies Women (West Indies-W) at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, made history as 47,262 spectators filled the stands. This record turnout for a women’s bilateral match highlighted the surging popularity of women’s cricket in India and around the world.
West Indies’ tour of India, consisting of three T20Is and three ODIs, began on December 15 at DY Patil Stadium with the T20I leg. The series had already seen nail-biting action, with India winning the first T20I and West Indies bouncing back in the second. The decider promised high stakes, and the players did not disappoint.
Electric Atmosphere at DY Patil Stadium
The turnout for the third T20I was nothing short of monumental, showcasing the enthusiasm and support for women’s cricket. Over 47,000 fans created an electric atmosphere, cheering on their teams in a game that delivered on all fronts.
India, batting first, put on a show for the crowd with a record-breaking display of aggression. Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a scintillating 77, an innings laced with 13 boundaries that kept the scoreboard ticking at a brisk pace.
Richa Ghosh Lights Up the Stadium
As the innings progressed, Richa Ghosh walked to the crease and took the entertainment to another level. Her fearless batting captivated the home crowd, as she smashed boundaries and towering sixes across the stadium. Ghosh brought up her half-century off just 18 balls, setting a new record for the fastest fifty by an Indian in T20I cricket.
Her quickfire 54 included three boundaries and five sixes, striking at an incredible rate of 257. Ghosh’s explosive innings ensured that India reached a monumental total of 217, their highest-ever score in T20I cricket.
A Benchmark for Women’s Cricket Attendance
The atmosphere at DY Patil Stadium was electrifying, with fans roaring for every boundary and six. The record attendance of 47,262 spectators set a new benchmark for women’s bilateral matches, showcasing the immense potential for women’s cricket to attract large audiences.
Such a turnout is a testament to the growing visibility and popularity of the sport. It also reinforces the fact that women’s cricket has the power to fill stadiums and capture the imagination of fans worldwide.
Looking Ahead to the ODI Series
With the T20I series now concluded, attention shifts to the ODI leg of the tour, set to begin on December 22 at the Reliance Stadium in Vadodara. India will look to carry forward their momentum and hope for similar crowd support in the upcoming matches.
The ODI series promises to be another thrilling contest, and with the growing enthusiasm around women’s cricket, it’s poised to attract significant attention from fans both at the venue and globally.
The third T20I between India-W and West Indies-W at DY Patil Stadium was not just a cricket match; it was a historic moment for women’s cricket. The record-breaking attendance, combined with India’s dazzling batting display, underscores the sport’s growing popularity. It’s a milestone that paves the way for even greater achievements in the future of women’s cricket, inspiring players and fans alike.
FAQs
1. What was the attendance for the third T20I between India-W and West Indies-W?
The third T20I drew a record crowd of 47,262 spectators at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
2. What milestone did India achieve in the third T20I?
India scored their highest-ever T20I total of 217 runs, powered by Smriti Mandhana’s 77 and Richa Ghosh’s record-breaking 18-ball fifty.
3. Who scored the fastest fifty by an Indian in T20Is?
Richa Ghosh scored the fastest fifty by an Indian in T20Is, reaching the milestone in just 18 balls during the third T20I.
4. What’s next in the India-W vs West Indies-W series?
The action now moves to the ODI leg of the series, starting on December 22 at Reliance Stadium, Vadodara.
5. Why is the attendance significant for women’s cricket?
The turnout of 47,262 spectators showcases the growing popularity of women’s cricket and sets a benchmark for attendance at bilateral matches.
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