ICC Women's ODI World Cup: History, Format, and Greatest Moments
The complete guide to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup — its history since 1973, format, most successful teams, and landmark moments in women's cricket.
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup is the pinnacle of women's One Day International cricket, held every four years. Remarkably, the Women's World Cup predates the Men's event — the first edition was held in 1973 in England, two years before the inaugural men's World Cup in 1975. Australia and England have historically dominated the competition.
Tournament History
| Year | Host | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | England | England |
| 1978 | India | Australia |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Australia |
| 1988 | Australia | Australia |
| 1993 | England | England |
| 1997 | India | Australia |
| 2000 | New Zealand | New Zealand |
| 2005 | South Africa | Australia |
| 2009 | Australia | England |
| 2013 | India | Australia |
| 2017 | England | England |
| 2022 | New Zealand | Australia |
Australia's Dominance
Australia are the most successful team in Women's World Cup history, winning the tournament seven times. Their recent dominance — winning in 2005, 2013, and 2022 — reflects a systematic investment in women's cricket with full-time professional contracts and elite coaching structures. Players like Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, and Alyssa Healy have been central to this era.
The 2017 Final — England's Classic
The 2017 Women's World Cup Final at Lord's between England and India is considered one of the greatest matches in women's cricket history. India needed 9 runs off the last over with wickets in hand when England bowler Anya Shrubsole took three wickets in four balls to win by 9 runs, finishing with 6/46 — the best Women's World Cup final bowling figures ever recorded.
Format
The modern Women's ODI World Cup features 8 teams in a round-robin group stage (each team plays all others once), followed by semi-finals and a final. The format has expanded over the decades as the sport has grown globally. ICC's Women's Championship provides qualification pathways for associate nations.
Frequently asked questions
When was the first Women's Cricket World Cup?
The first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup was held in England in 1973, predating the men's World Cup by two years.
Who has won the most Women's Cricket World Cups?
Australia have won the Women's Cricket World Cup seven times, making them the most successful team in the tournament's history.
How often is the Women's Cricket World Cup held?
The ICC Women's ODI World Cup is held every four years.