The match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which India won by 6 wickets, was watched by 15,935 spectators.

“The India versus Pakistan match at the Dubai International Stadium on 6 October set a new record for the highest attendance at a group stage match in Women’s T20 World Cup history. This Group A clash in the 2024 edition drew an impressive crowd of 15,935, showcasing the intense rivalry between the two neighbours,” ICC said in a statement.

The world governing body also said that the tournament 2024 drew 91,030 fans in total, an impressive 30 per cent increase from the previous edition.

“The thrilling final between New Zealand and South Africa at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday saw 21,457 fans in attendance, a remarkable 68% increase from the last final in South Africa,” the ICC said.

“The group stages and semi-finals also witnessed strong support, attracting 69,573 fans, a 21% rise compared to the previous edition, highlighting the expanding global appeal of women’s cricket,” ICC added.

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Amelia Kerr was the star of the match for the White Ferns, scoring 43 runs and taking 3 wickets as well. She also took home the Player of the Tournament award.

Earlier this year, the ICC announced a raise of 134% in the winner’s prize money of this edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup. So, the champions New Zealand got a huge cash prize of USD 2.34 million (Rs 19.6 crore) while the finalists South Africa were also awarded a cash-prize of USD 1.17 million (Rs 9.8 crore).

ICC also announced that the prize money will not only be limited to the winner and the runners-up, but also to the semi-finalists and the 3 best teams in the group stage. As per that rule, semi-finalists Australia and West Indies got USD 675,000 (Rs 5.7 crore) each.

Though the final rankings aren’t out yet, India will most likely be placed as the 6th best team of the tournament and fetch the prize money of Rs USD 270,000 (Rs 2.25 crore). The same prize money will be given to all the 3 best teams of the group stage. 

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It turned out to be a historic day for New Zealand cricket as the White Ferns got their hands on the ICC trophy hours after the men recorded their first Test win in India after 36 years.

South Africa, playing their second successive final, sent New Zealand in to bat and the Sophie Devine-led side thrived under pressure to post an above par total of 158/5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Amelia Kerr played a crucial knock of 43 while Brooke Halliday made an impactful 38 to push New Zealand beyond 150- run mark.

South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt (33) took her team to 47/0 in the powerplay before New Zealand bowlers were able to stifle the opposition.

There was no coming back from South Africa after they lost their gutsy leader Wolvaardt in the 10th over as the Proteas could not keep up with the scoring rate and ended at 126/9 in 20 overs. Kerr starred with her leg-spin as well, ending with brilliant bowling figures of 3/24 in 4 overs.

It was a remarkable change of fortunes for New Zealand, who had come into the tournament with the baggage of 10 losses in a row. They were the best bowling unit in the competition by a fair distance and on Sunday, improved their batting by a few notches.

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New Zealand will face South Africa in the finals, and will only have two tweakers to call out for defending a total of 128 even after Deandra Dottin’s 33, which included three sixes.

West Indies managed to score 120/8 in 20 overs. Off-spinner Carson (3/29) left a big impact on West Indies with early blows, along with Amelia’s prized wicket.

The duo went for 20 wickets from opposition ( 8 by Carson and 12 by Amelia) in the tournament, and have been dangerous weapons for New Zealand in the whole tournament.

It was Suzie Bates who bowled the last over where 15 runs were needed, but she only gave 7 runs and ended the match.

Brief Score:

New Zealand- 128/9; 20 overs
West Indies- 120/8 ;20 overs

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Put in to bat first, Australia could only manage to form a modest total of 134/5 as Beth Mooney top-scored with a 42-ball 44 in the first semifinal while Ellyse Perry (31) and skipper Tahlia Mcgrath (27) also played valiant cameos.

Ayabonga Khaka (2/24) was the most successful bowler for South Africa, even as others chipped in nicely.

South Africa completed the task with 16 balls to spare and Anneke Bosch led the way with a scintillating knock of 74 not out in 48 balls. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt contributed a 37-ball 42 at the top of the order.

The Australian bowlers weren’t able to cause much trouble as they were only able to pick up 2 wickets in 17.2 overs.

With this huge victory, South Africa took their revenge for the loss in the last summit clash at home, when Australia won by 19 runs to lift their sixth title. They will now be facing either New Zealand or West Indies in the final, which is scheduled to be held on October 20, Sunday.

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Following this disappointing performance, it has come to light that BCCI and the team management may look to replace Harmanpreet Kaur as captain with an eye on the future. Head coach Amol Mazumdar is set to meet with BCCI officials and the selection committee to discuss the path forward for the women’s team, reported The Indian Express.

“The BCCI will certainly discuss whether to have a new captain on board going ahead. The Indian board has provided everything the team wanted, and we feel it’s high time a new face led the team in the future,” a source said.

The meeting between Mazumdar and the officials is set to take place before the series against New Zealand, which will begin on October 24. It remains unclear whether any change would be taken with immediate effect or not.

Harmanpreet, who has been in-charge of the Indian team since 2016, is expected to still remain a key figure in the squad even if she gets stripped off captaincy.

“Harmanpreet will continue to be an important member of the team but the BCCI feels it’s time for transition. Kaur had a solid performance on an individual level in the World Cup with bat,” the source further said.

Smriti Mandhana, the vice-captain will be the likely replacement for Harmanpreet as the skipper. Mandhana led the Royal Challengers Bangalore to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) title in 2024 and has also captained the Indian team in Harmanpreet’s absence.

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England got knocked out of the tournament due to defeat in this match.

Matthews (50 off 38 balls) and Joseph (52 off 38 balls) mad 102 runs in 12.2 overs while opening for the first wicket. They took the game away from the England as they successfully chased down the target of 142 with 12 balls to spare.

When coming out to bat, England was down to 34 for 3 after just the powerplay but they came back from the slump and posted 141 for 7.

For West Indies, leg-spinner Afy Fletcher took three wickets with just 21 runs in her four overs, whereas Hayley Matthews also got two scalps.

West Indies will now face Group A runners-up New Zealand, whereas South Africa will face the Group A winners Australia. The match between South Africa and Australia will be held on Thursday while the second semifinal will be held on Friday.

Brief Score:-

England: 141 for 7 in 20 overs
West Indies: 142 for 4 in 18 overs

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It was the first time under the long captaincy tenure of Harmanpreet Kaur, that India failed to qualify for the knockouts of the ICC tournament, which has extended the team’s run without a title in World events. This have also put serious question over her future as a skipper.

Speaking to PTI from Dubai, Mithali stated that the downfall of the team was because the team could not get familiar with the conditions in the UAE, lack of clarity in batting department, bench strength not being tested, and the fielding being below-the-par.

When questioned about the results not coming under Harmanpreet Kaur and selectors deciding to move on from her and appoint someone younger, Mithali replied by saying this is the time to change and another World Cup would be on the line if this decision is delayed even further.

“If the selectors decide to change, I would go for a young captain. This is the time (to change) if you delay more then we have another World Cup on the horizon,” she said.

“Smriti is there (has been vice-captain for long) but I think someone like Jemima, she’s 24, she’s young, she will serve you more. And someone who I feel on the field gets that energy. She speaks to everybody. I was very impressed by her in this tournament,” she added.

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There was only one chance for India to reach the semifinals, which was dependent on Pakistan winning with an inferior NRR compared to theirs.

Pakistan was in the game as they restricted New Zealand for just 110 for 6 in 20 overs. But, they were done for just 56 in 11.4 overs as New Zealanders entered the semifinals with three wins in four game in Group A.

Pakistan were supposed to reach their target before the 12th over, but they ended up being all out before that.

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At the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, India dropped 3 catches, missed a stumping and a run-out chance as Australia posted 151/8 in 20 overs, the highest total at this venue in the tournament so far.

In reply, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s valiant knock of 54 wasn’t enough to save the Women in Blue as they finished the group stages with 2 victories and defeats each from 4 matches.

“I think we were right in the game, right till the last over. Just that experience of Australia saw them through. Just a little disappointed with the loss. I feel we’ve fielded pretty well. But if a couple of chances could have been taken, then things could have been different. Maybe 10 -15 runs less, but at the same time, I would like to say that we put in our best effort forward in this game,” Muzumdar said after the match ended.

Muzumdar also revealed the chat that he had with Harmanpreet and Deepti Sharma who formed a partnership of 63 from 55 balls to keep India in the hunt.

“First and foremost, it was about the run-chase. Second was keeping the net run rate also in bounds. But the only message was if we take it a little deeper, then we do have a good chance to chase. That was the only message to Harman and Deepti. I think Harman’s presence was very important till the end, that is what I felt in the run chase, and almost got it through,” Muzumdar said.

With Australia entering the semi-finals from Group A, it means India’s chances of entering the last four phase are totally dependent on the New Zealand-Pakistan clash on Monday. A win for New Zealand will mean a league-stage exit for India. Muzumdar wished Pakistan the best of luck ahead of their match against the White Ferns.

“Well, I just want to wish Pakistan all the best. That’s all I can say. But we will be watching the game very closely, that’s for sure,”  Muzumdar said.

It will be interesting to see if Pakistan can come out victorious against New Zealand because if that happens then India will qualify for the semi-final stage due to their net run-rate being higher than the White Ferns.

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