Guwahati is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for a landmark event. The city will host its first-ever ICC World Cup semifinal tonight. This momentous occasion firmly places Assam’s capital on the global cricket map.
England faces South Africa in the women’s World Cup semifinal. Guwahati, known as the gateway to Northeast India, welcomes this historic match. It marks a significant milestone for the entire region.
This semifinal is the fifth tournament game held at the ACA Stadium. Hosting multiple matches in a single World Cup edition is a rare honor. Guwahati joins an elite group of Indian venues achieving this feat.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia praised the city’s cricketing legacy. He highlighted Guwahati’s successful history as an international cricket host. The city truly deserves its World Cup hosting status.
Saikia credited ICC Chairman Jay Shah for his enthusiastic support. His efforts were crucial in allotting these matches to Guwahati. The city’s capabilities have been recognized at the highest level.
The tournament opened here on September 30 with India versus Sri Lanka. A vibrant ceremony honored Assam’s late cultural icon Zubeen Garg. That match set a positive tone for the event.
Another major cricketing event is coming soon. Guwahati will host a men’s Test match between India and South Africa from November 22. Cricket purists are eagerly awaiting this red-ball contest.
The Assam Cricket Association has done commendable work. Their smooth conduct of matches has raised local excitement. Fans are increasingly engaged with international cricket.
Attendance has been strong throughout the tournament. The India-Sri Lanka opener drew 22,843 spectators. That was the highest for any ICC women’s group match at that stage.
However, excitement around the semifinal has been somewhat subdued. Many fans express disappointment about India not playing. They had hoped to see their national team in action.
Manjeeta Das, a long-time women’s cricket follower, shared her feelings. She appreciates the growing fan base but wishes India had played here. Local enthusiasm would have been much higher.
The state’s mood has been affected by Zubeen Garg’s passing. This somber atmosphere has dampened festive spirits around the match. The cultural loss is deeply felt across Assam.
Meanwhile, India will face Australia in Navi Mumbai. That semifinal is expected to draw massive national attention. The DY Patil Stadium will host this crucial clash.
Despite challenges, Guwahati’s semifinal remains a proud moment. It reflects the city’s emergence as a trusted cricketing destination. This recognition has been years in the making.
Retired government officer Achinta Hazarika offered perspective. He noted people still prefer men’s cricket but acknowledged women’s rising standards. Competitive matches like this will narrow that gap over time.
All eyes are now on the ACA Stadium. The floodlights are ready to illuminate this historic night. Guwahati stands poised to create cricket history.