The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup is honored, highlighting the tournament's development from its 1973 start to its most recent edition in 2022. The World Cup has expanded in size and stature over the years, showcasing unforgettable matches and outstanding performances by some of the best women's cricket teams. Every competition has added to the rich history of the game by showcasing the talent, passion, and tenacity of female cricket players throughout the world.

1973 (England)

An important turning point in the history of women's sports occurred when the first Women's Cricket World Cup was held in England. There was no tournament match in this competition, which had a unique format. The competition's point system was used to determine the winner. With 20 points, England were the first champions, followed by Australia with 17 points in second place. Seven teams competed in the tournament, which served as a model for the events that followed.

1978 (India)

India served as the host of the second Women's Cricket World Cup India. Similar to the first event, points were used to select the winner in the lack of a final match. Australia ended with six points, one point more than England, who took second place. Four teams entered this competition, demonstrating the early phases of women's cricket's global expansion.

1982 (New Zealand)

The 1982 World Cup, which was hosted by New Zealand, was the first to include a final match. In the final at Lancaster Park in Christchurch, Australia defeated England by three wickets in an exciting match. Australia scored 152/7 in 59 overs to chase down England's 151/6 total. This five-team competition was historic since it was the first to use a final match format.

1988 (Australia)

Australia hosted the fourth Women's Cricket World Cup, with the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground serving as the venue for the final match. When Australia played England again, they dominated and won by eight wickets. Australia easily pursued the goal, scoring 129/2 in 44.5 overs after England produced 127/7 in 60 overs. Five teams continued to compete in the competition.

1993 (England)

Going back to England, Lord's, London hosted the 1993 World Cup final. When England played New Zealand, they won handily, by 67 runs. In 60 overs, England scored 195/5, while in 55.1 overs, New Zealand was bowled out for 128. With eight teams taking part, this tournament indicated the competition's expansion.

1997 (India)

The 1997 World Cup was held in India and featured an enlarged format with eleven countries. Australia and New Zealand participated in the final, which took place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Australia won the match by 5 wickets after scoring 165/5 in 47.4 overs to defeat New Zealand's 164/9 total in a closely contested encounter. Women's cricket is becoming more and more competitive, as seen by this competition.

2000 (New Zealand)

The final of the 2000 World Cup took place at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, New Zealand. Australia was defeated by 4 runs in a thrilling final to give New Zealand their first Women's World Cup victory. Australia managed to score 180 in 49.1 overs, barely missing New Zealand's goal of 184 in 48.4 overs. Eight teams participated in the competition.

2005 (South Africa)

SuperSport Park, Centurion held the World Cup final, which was hosted by South Africa. In the final, Australia defeated India, winning by a commanding 98-run score. India was bowled out for 117 in 46 overs, while Australia compiled a score of 215/4 in 50 overs. Eight teams continued to compete in the event.

2009 (Australia)

The North Sydney Oval in Sydney hosted the World Cup final, which took place in Australia. In a closely contested match, England defeated New Zealand by 4 wickets. England successfully pursued New Zealand's goal of 166 in 47.2 overs, reaching 167/6 in 46.1 overs. There were eight teams left in the competition.

2013 (India)

Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai held the World Cup final, which was hosted by India. Australia defeated the West Indies by 114 runs, demonstrating their supremacy once more. The West Indies were able to manage 145 in 43.1 overs, falling short of Australia's formidable goal of 259/7 in 50 overs. Eight teams participated in the competition.

2017 (England)

There have never been more exciting finals in women's cricket history due to the 2017 World Cup, which was hosted in England. At Lord's, in London, England defeated India by a mere 9 runs. India was bowled out for 219 in 48.4 overs against England, who finished with a total of 228/7 in 50 overs. This eight-team competition was noteworthy for raising awareness and popularity of women's cricket throughout the world.

2022 (New Zealand)

The final of the most recent World Cup was held at Christchurch, New Zealand's Hagley Oval. Australia defeated England with a commanding 71-run margin. England managed 285 in 43.4 overs against Australia's huge goal of 356/5 in 50 overs. Eight teams continued to compete in the competition, which further cemented Australia's reputation in women's cricket.

The twelfth Women's Cricket World Cup, took place in March and April of 2022 in New Zealand. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was initially planned for 6 February to 7 March 2021, however, it was postponed by one year. The International Cricket Council (ICC) said on December 15, 2021, that the competition would begin on March 4, 2022, and the final match would take place on April 3, 2022.

The ICC ODI Rankings decided all other qualification spots, with New Zealand automatically qualifying as hosts. In 2018, it was stated that four teams, including the hosts, would qualify for the 2017–2020 ICC Women's Championship instead of the original three. The plan was for the 2021 Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier—which was rescheduled from 2020 to select the final three spots. But in the middle of the competition, it was called off, and the spots that remained were distributed according to ODI rankings.

After winning their opening five games in the competition, Australia became the first team to advance to the semi-finals. After winning four of their first six group matches and earning a point for drawing with the West Indies, South Africa emerged as the second team to make it to the semi-finals. The outcomes of the last two games played during the tournament's group stage determined the remaining two semi-final spots. England defeated Bangladesh by 100 runs in the opening game to ensure their spot in the knockout stage. India was defeated by three wickets by South Africa in the last group-stage match. India was eliminated as a consequence of the outcome, while the West Indies secured the last semi-final spot.

Each of the sides was missing important members of their lists before the first semi-final encounter. Ellyse Perry of Australia was declared out of the game due to back spasms, which also prevented her from playing in Australia's previous group match against Bangladesh. Afy Fletcher, a leg spin bowler for the West Indies, was ruled out of the game following a positive COVID-19 test. Alyssa Healy and Rachael Haynes scored 216 runs for the first wicket, including a century from Healy, to help Australia win the match by a margin of 157 runs. Australia has advanced to the Women's Cricket World Cup final for the seventh time. England advanced to their sixth Women’s Cricket World Cup final after defeating South Africa by 137 runs in the second semi-final. With a century from Danni Wyatt and five wickets from Sophie Ecclestone, the defending champions made it to the final game.

Australia won their sixth World Cup, defeating England by a score of 71 runs in the tournament final. Alyssa Healy of Australia recorded the greatest individual score of any cricket player in the World Cup Final—170 runs—during the match. In the final match of the tournament, Nat Sciver of England also scored a century with a score of 148 not out. With 509 runs scored, Alyssa Healy was the competition's top run scorer and won Player of the Tournament. With 21 dismissals, Sophie Ecclestone of England was the tournament's top wicket-taker.

The next Women’s Cricket World Cup is scheduled for India in 2025 (details to be verified). The great legacy of women's cricket will be carried on by this tournament, which is much awaited by fans worldwide.