Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium was abuzz with an electric environment during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) on February 21. The stadium was filled to capacity like never before, with a record number of spectators cheering fervently for their team. The environment was infectious, transforming the stadium into a cauldron of excitement and enthusiasm, which demonstrated how women’s cricket has increased in popularity.

The decibel levels were so high that even MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur was spotted covering her ears, trying to muffle the deafening roar of the RCB fans. Each boundary, wicket, and crucial moment was greeted with thunderous applause, making for a night to remember in the history of women’s cricket.

Batting first after they won the toss, RCB captain Smriti Mandhana provided the opening bat a flamboyant start with a 26 from just 13 balls. But the evening belonged to Ellyse Perry, who performed a masterclass of an innings. She anchored the batting line-up with a scintillating 81 from 43 deliveries, exhibiting a mix of poise and strength.

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Ellyse Perry’s knock, which contained 11 fours and two towering sixes, took RCB to a fighting total of 167/7 in their 20 overs. As MI came in to chase, the Chinnaswamy crowd continued their unwavering support, making every RCB wicket and dot ball feel like a victory.

women’s cricket will forever be indebt to u Chinnaswamy 🫶 pic.twitter.com/MPYxFgZnDy

— nou (@mandhanahive) February 21, 2025

The home advantage was evident, with the noise levels reaching a crescendo. Despite the overwhelming atmosphere, MI’s batters held their nerve, gradually chipping away at the target. They successfully chased down 168, losing six wickets along the way, silencing the crowd but earning respect for their resilience.

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While RCB lost, this game will be remembered not only for the cricket but for the passionate support and the record-breaking enthusiasm for women’s cricket. The charged atmosphere at Chinnaswamy was a reflection of how far the women’s game has traveled and how much more it can travel.

This was not another cricket game—it was a milestone in the emergence of women’s sports.