Defending champions England and 2019 runners-up New Zealand were playing at the world’s largest stadium. But there was nothing impressive about the spectator turnout on Thursday.

Amit Nanavati, a professor at Ahmedabad University, was expecting a packed stadium. “I am surprised to see such a poor response at such a big stadium. Maybe, the hot weather is one of the reasons,” said Nanavati, who was seated at the North Stand.