The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 kicked off spectacularly with hosts India facing co-hosts Sri Lanka match, which shattered attendance records on its opening day. Hosted at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, the game attracted a crowd of 22,843 spectators, marking a new high for any group stage fixture in a Women’s World Cup.
This impressive turnout highlights the increasing popularity of women’s cricket in India and shows how investments in fan engagement and stadium facilities are paying off. The previous record for an ICC women’s group match attendance was 15,935, set during a thrilling India-Pakistan clash in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai.
In what turned out to be an exciting but rain-affected match, India defeated Sri Lanka by 59 runs via DLS method. The match was reduced to 47 overs per side due to weather interruptions; India batted first and, despite a mid-order collapse, was steadied by a remarkable all-round performance from Deepti Sharma, who scored 53 runs off 53 balls and took 3 wickets for 54 runs. Shs formed a crucial seventh-wicket partnership of 103 runs with Amanjot Kaur, helping to lift India’s total to 269/8.
In reply, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 211 inside 46 overs. Although Inoka Ranaweera impressed with four wickets, Chamari Athapaththu with an all-round effort, Nilakshika Silva with a fighting knock, dropped catches in their fielding innings and mounting pressure hampered their chase, ultimately proving expensive. This victory gave India a strong start as they aim for a deep run in the tournament.
Globally, women’s cricket has seen other notable attendance records. The 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final in Melbourne drew an impressive 86,174 spectators, setting a record for women’s cricket matches in Australia and for any Women’s T20 World Cup final. However, when it comes to ODI World Cups and group stage matches, the figure from Guwahati remains unmatched.
The India – Sri Lanka opener is more than just a match result; it is a statement of progress. The surge in attendance for women’s cricket, coupled with enhanced fan experiences and improved media engagement, marks the beginning of a new era for the sport. As the tournament unfolds, it will be intriguing to see whether this attendance record gets surpassed, reinforcing the growing visibility and support for the women’s game.
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