If you have ever been to a stadium to watch a cricket match, you know how the atmosphere there is. There is music, there is energy and there are people chanting names of their favourite cricketers.
However, that is the image we mostly associate with men’s cricket. Because who goes to watch ‘boring’ women’s cricket games?
Well, thousands of people in Surat, did.
Over 10 000 fans have turned out to watch the opening T20i between India and South Africa. Well done to the people of Surat for showing such great support for women’s cricket! Shout out to @BCCI for growing the game 🙌 #IndvSA #AlwaysRising pic.twitter.com/vDcEGTzG9V
— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) September 24, 2019
In a video shared by the BCCI, you can see the entire Lalabhai Contractor Stadium packed with people who had come to support the Women in Blue in their match against South Africa women.
Commentator @chopraanjum captures the mood in Surat. It’s a full house at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium.🏟️ #INDWvsSAW
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) September 24, 2019
Follow the game – https://t.co/QFRNkBAGt9 pic.twitter.com/MhhfPRGLwv
It was particularly impressive because this wasn’t an important final of a big tournament. It was a T20 match between the two countries.
Fantastic scenes!
— Ciara J Metcalfe ☘️ (@CiaraJMetcalfe) September 24, 2019
@billz_25 @Boomrah_ @CricCrazyJohns @PoppingCreaseSA look at the crowd , I think this is the perfect time for bcci to start WIPL ,what do u think ?
— Cricmaahi (@MKumars42) September 24, 2019
I can almost feel the buzz. Way to go India! 😊
— Mary-Anne Musonda 🇿🇼 (@Mutsa13) September 24, 2019
Well done Surat crowds hats off🙌
— sunita patel (@patelSunita1992) September 24, 2019
First step for Women cricket ..
— Banajit Das (@iambana11) September 25, 2019
Well done Surat 👏👏👏👏
Let’s make women cricket more popular 👍
The players also didn’t disappoint their fans as they won the low-scoring match by 11 runs.
A winning start for India in Surat as they take a 1-0 lead over South Africa following an excellent effort from the bowlers. @Paytm #INDWvsSAW
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) September 24, 2019
Visit https://t.co/oYTlePLg27 for a visual recap and all match related videos. pic.twitter.com/AAkbMfs7oI