The four-year-old that graced the County Ground

The atmosphere at the County Ground in Derby for the 2017 Women’s World Cup game between India and Pakistan on Sunday was electrifying. A total of 2,649 fans, who drove from all over the United Kingdom, were treated to some exciting spin bowling by Nashra Sandhu and Ekta Bisht, a cheeky knock by Sushma Verma and some exceptional fielding by Diana Baig. India prevailed by 95 runs. As much as the cricket, it was the fans who made the day memorable.

Equally exciting were the performances of South Africa in its ten-wicket win over Windies, England’s dominant display against Sri Lanka, and a close finish between New Zealand and Australia.

With so many people watching four games across Derby, Taunton, Leicester and Bristol and a massive following online, the day established that there is a big market for women’s cricket. The moment of the day had to come from one of the youngest fans at Derby for the clash between the arch-rivals.

Ahana Bagul is less than four years old. She had come from London to watch the match with her parents and her older brother. Asked what she liked about the day, she said, “I love Mithali Raj.” Her father added: “She likes watching cricket.”

The game can always do with more young fans.