There’s a new national record for women’s sport, with the previous Australian female fixture attendance record smashed at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final at the MCG.
Australia defeated India in the World Cup Final in front of a crowd of 86,174 - breaking the previous record of 53,034 at the 2019 AFLW Grand Final between the Adelaide Crows and Carlton at the Adelaide Oval.The 85,000 plus strong crowd was also the largest in women’s world cricket, surpassing the 1997 ICC One Day World Cup Final in India, which recorded around 80,000 spectators.
Melbourne Cricket Club CEO Stuart Fox said it was a great accomplishment to smash the two records.
“Women’s sport is really on the rise and this is another amazing milestone. With the new Australian record for a female sporting match here at the MCG, surpassing the one set at last year’s AFLW Grand Final, shows that there is a strong demand for female sport to be displayed on a big stage like this,” Mr Fox said.
“It’s an honour to hold this record, as well as the world record for the highest attendance for a women’s cricket match, here at the MCG. We hope this is just the start.”
Held on International Women’s Day, today’s match saw a dominant Australian team defeat India thanks to an incredible opening batting display from Australian openers Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney. Healy finished with a quick 75 runs from 39 balls, whilst Mooney finished with 78 not out from 54 balls – the highest individual score in a Women’s T20 World Cup Final.
It was a drama-filled lead up to the match, which included a tournament-ending injury to Australian stalwart Elyse Perry and a washed-out semi-final for India.
India required the highest ever run-chase in a Women’s T20 Final after Australia recorded 184 runs for four wickets in the opening innings. A tough ask, India fell for 99 in the final over with Australia claiming the title.
Adding to the spectacle, international pop superstar, Katy Perry, performed before and after the match – with a two-song set to lead into the game including hit songs Roar and Firework, followed by a one-hour concert post-match.
Mr Fox said it was great to be able to combine sport and entertainment.
“To host a world-renowned pop star at the same event as a cricket World Cup Final has been the icing on the cake. I’m proud of the many thousands of staff who have delivered this record breaking event.
“Katy Perry’s performances to bookend the match was incredible, it really set the tone for the day and for the celebration of women on International Women’s Day.”
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