ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup

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.

England (1973)

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.

India (1978)

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.

New Zealand (1982)

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.

Australia (1988)

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.

England (1993)

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.

India (1997)

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.

New Zealand (2000)

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.

South Africa (2005)

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.

Australia (2009)

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.

India (2013)

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.

England (2017)

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.

New Zealand (2022)

The 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, hosted by New Zealand between March 4 and April 3, 2022, marked a significant return to global women’s cricket after the pandemic delay. Eight teams competed across venues including Christchurch’s Hagley Oval, where Australia showcased their dominance once again. The Aussies cruised through the group stages and semi-finals before defeating England by 71 runs in the final to claim their record-extending sixth World Cup title.

The tournament featured outstanding performances and record-breaking feats. Alyssa Healy delivered one of the greatest innings in World Cup history, smashing 170 runs in the final, while Nat Sciver’s unbeaten 148 stood out for England. Healy finished as the top run-scorer with 509 runs and was named Player of the Tournament, while Sophie Ecclestone topped the wicket charts with 21 dismissals. The 2022 edition strengthened Australia’s reputation as the most successful side in women’s cricket history and boosted global attention towards the women’s game.

India & Sri Lanka (2025)

The 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup took place between September 30 and November 2, 2025, with India and Sri Lanka co-hosting the tournament. Eight teams competed under the 50-over format, maintaining the structure of recent editions. The final was played at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to claim their first-ever World Cup title. India posted 298/7, and South Africa were bowled out for 246 runs, marking a historic home victory that captivated millions of fans across the nation.

The 2025 edition stood out for its record-breaking viewership and financial milestones. It attracted over 60 million viewers across television and streaming platforms during the opening stages alone, while the India-Pakistan match became the most-watched women’s cricket match ever, with 28.4 million viewers and 1.87 billion minutes streamed. The total prize pool reached USD 13.88 million (approx. Rs 122 crore), tripling the 2022 figure and setting a new benchmark for women’s cricket globally.