A 13-Year-Old Dreamer Inspired by the Thrill of Women’s Cricket in a Packed Dubai Stadium
The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is legendary, often likened to the fervor of Argentina and Brazil’s football clashes. However, the T20 Women’s World Cup match on October 6 marked a historic moment as it was the first time the women’s teams from these two cricketing powerhouses faced off in the UAE. This landmark event at the Dubai International Stadium, which also celebrated the 100th T20I match, captivated a record crowd of 16,000 spectators, demonstrating the growing interest in women’s cricket.
Among the throngs of fans was 13-year-old Manisha Pandey, who recently moved to Dubai from India. She plays for her school team, Ambassador School, and was thrilled to witness the electrifying atmosphere that only a fierce cricket rivalry can generate. “It’s a dream to play international cricket,” she shared, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Since I live in the UAE now, it would be amazing if I get a chance to play for the team.”
Manisha, inspired by India’s elegant left-handed batter Smriti Mandhana and the UAE’s own rising star Vaishnave Mahesh, expressed her aspirations to make her mark in the sport. “It was wonderful meeting Vaishnave at our school recently,” she recalled. “She shared inspiring stories about women’s cricket.”
The excitement in the stadium was palpable as Indian fans dominated the stands, creating a sea of blue and yellow. The passionate crowd cheered for their team despite the midday heat, as Deepak Pandey, Manisha’s father, noted. “This is our first opportunity to watch an international cricket match. It’s an incredible experience to be among this crowd,” he said.
Parvathi Pillai, another young cricket enthusiast at the match, couldn’t contain her excitement about her favorite players. “I have been following women’s cricket for the past seven years,” she said. “The last Women’s Premier League was very inspiring for me because I’m an RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore) fan, and we finally won the trophy.” Parvathi was particularly thrilled to see many players from the Indian team representing her favorite franchise.
The atmosphere during the match was electric, with fans from both nations coming together to celebrate this historic occasion. Vikash Chandra, another passionate spectator, remarked on the thrilling nature of an India-Pakistan clash. “It’s always a treat for the eyes watching any India-Pakistan game. Today, it’s amazing to be watching a women’s match, and we are here with 11 friends, all wearing similar t-shirts,” he said.
As the match concluded with India emerging victorious, the legacy of women’s cricket in the UAE took a significant step forward. Young fans like Manisha and Parvathi, inspired by the energy of the game and the spirit of their favorite players, are now motivated to pursue their cricket dreams, proving that the future of the sport is as bright as the remarkable atmosphere witnessed in the Dubai stadium that day.
