MA Chidambaram Stadium, also known as Chepauk, has been an integral part of Indian cricket history ever since its inception when it hosted the Presidency matches as early as 1916.

Its significance skyrocketed when it became the venue for the inaugural Ranji Trophy match in 1934, marking the beginning of numerous historic cricketing events at the venue.

One of the stadium’s defining moments occurred in 1951-52 when India clinched their first Test victory against England, a milestone that left an indelible mark on cricketing lore. 

Since then, Chepauk has been witness to countless records being shattered and unforgettable contests unfolding on its hallowed grounds.

Located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the iconic stadium is the second oldest stadium in India after the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and staged its first women’s cricket match in 1976 when India hosted West Indies in a Test. 

Meanwhile, the first women’s limited overs contest at the venue was held eight years later in 1984 as India faced Australia.

It also hosted a women’s World Cup semi-final match between New Zealand and England in 1997. New Zealand won the game by 20 runs.

As far as its first women’s T20 international is concerned, the MA Chidambaram Stadium witnessed West Indies beat Pakistan by four runs in March 2016. 

So far, there have been four women’s T20Is - all during the 2016 T20 World Cup - on this ground which can accommodate more than 38,000 spectators and here we have a look at the MA Chidambaram Stadium women’s T20 records and stats.

MA Chidambaram Stadium women’s T20 records and stats

Highest total: In women’s T20Is, South Africa hold the record for the highest total on this ground. Batting first, South Africa went on to post a total of 156/5 against Ireland in a T20 World Cup match in 2016. Contributions from Dane van Niekerk (20), Trisha Chetty (35), Lizelle Lee (30 not out), Dinesha Devnarain (24), and Chloe Tryon (20 not out) helped them post the total. In reply, Ireland were restricted to 89/9 as Sune Luus claimed a fifer to help South Africa to a 67-run win.

Lowest total: Pakistan women hold the unwanted record of making the lowest total at this venue. Asked to bowl first in a 2016 T20 World Cup encounter, Pakistan managed to restrict England to a total of 148/5 as Charlotte Edwards scored an unbeaten 61-ball 77. In reply, Pakistan managed to score 80 before being bundled out in 17.5 overs as England registered a 68-run win. 

Most runs: West Indies all-rounder Stafanie Taylor scored the most runs at this venue in women’s T20Is. She made 80 runs in two matches at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 89.88 during the 2016 T20 World Cup.

Most wickets: South Africa’s Sune Luus has taken the most wickets (5) on this ground despite playing just one game at Chepauk. In her only T20I on this ground, Luus bowled a match-winning spell at an average of 1.60 and an economy of 2.

Highest individual score: Former England batter Charlotte Edwards holds the distinction of making the highest individual score in women’s T20Is on this ground. During a 2016 T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, Edwards played a starring role with the bat by scoring an unbeaten 61-ball 77 to propel England to a total of 148/5. Her knock earned her the Player of the Match award as England registered a 68-run victory after bundling out Pakistan for 80 in 17.5 overs.

Best bowling figures: South Africa’s Sune Luus boasts the best bowling figures in women’s T20Is on this ground. She did so while defending a 157-run target against Ireland in a 2016 T20 World Cup contest. Tasked with defending 157, Luus ran through the Ireland lineup by claiming the scalps of Isobel Joyce, Laura Delany, Robyn Lewis, Kim Garth, and Lucy O'Reilly to help record a 67-run victory.

Highest partnership: England batters Charlotte Edwards and Tammy Beaumont hold the record for the highest partnership at this venue. Opening the batting against Pakistan in a 2016 T20 World Cup clash, the English duo of Edwards and Beaumont stitched a 68-run stand for the opening wicket. While Beaumont was dismissed after making 37 off 26 balls, Edwards remained unbeaten on 77 from 61 balls as England posted 148/5 en route to a 68-run win against Pakistan.   

Photo credit: Alamy