Women’s T20 World Cup: Tournament can ‘co-exist’ with football World Cup, says ICC

Ticket sales for this tournament have already surpassed the previous record of the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Currently their numbers are around 220,000 – the ICC is keen to push towards 300,000. This will almost double the number participating in the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

Although Friday’s Birmingham attendance was encouraging, Edgbaston was not sold out.

A crowd of around 8,000 is expected at Old Trafford on Saturday for a double header where Ireland take on Scotland and South Africa against Australia.

Unlike the last 50-over Women’s World Cup in England in 2017, this tournament is being played at the biggest cricket venue in the UK which means there are plenty of seats.

Tickets are still available for Sunday’s showpiece meeting between India and Pakistan at Edgbaston, a number of other England matches and other non-England matches.

It is hoped the impressive nature of England’s win on Friday – Danny Watt-Hodge was unbeaten on a stunning 105 as the hosts won by 87 runs – could drive more ticket sales.

Speaking after the win, Watt-Hodge said: “The atmosphere felt incredible.

“The crowd was cheering me on and it gave me goosebumps.

“Hopefully people watched on TV and we inspired them to come and see us live.”