Women's T20 World Cup: History, Champions, and Records
The complete history of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup from 2009 to the present, including the record-breaking 2020 MCG final, dominant teams, and key players.
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup has grown from a modest eight-team tournament in 2009 into one of cricket's showpiece events. The 2020 final at the MCG, watched by 86,174 spectators — the largest crowd for a women's cricket match in history — demonstrated how far women's cricket had grown in stature and commercial appeal.
Origins: The 2009 Tournament in England
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup launched in 2009 alongside the men's tournament in England. Eight teams competed: Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and the Netherlands. England won the inaugural edition, defeating New Zealand in the final at Lord's. Charlotte Edwards captained England to the title. The tournament established a biennial schedule that would grow the women's game significantly over the following decade.
Australia's Dominance
Australia have been the dominant force in Women's T20 World Cup history. They have won six of the ten editions. Meg Lanning captained Australia to four consecutive titles (2014, 2018, 2020, 2023). Ellyse Perry has been the face of Australian women's cricket across these years — a true allrounder who has been both the team's most reliable batter and its leading wicket-taker in multiple editions. Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy (who became captain from 2023) have also been key figures.
Champions Table
| Year | Host | Champions | Runners-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | England | England | New Zealand |
| 2010 | West Indies | Australia | New Zealand |
| 2012 | Sri Lanka | Australia | England |
| 2014 | Bangladesh | Australia | England |
| 2016 | India | West Indies | Australia |
| 2018 | West Indies | Australia | England |
| 2020 | Australia | Australia | India |
| 2023 | South Africa | Australia | South Africa |
The MCG Final (2020): 86,174 Spectators
The 2020 ICC Women's T20 World Cup final between Australia and India at the MCG on 8 March 2020 (International Women's Day) was a watershed moment for women's cricket. A crowd of 86,174 — the largest ever for a women's cricket match — watched Australia win by 85 runs. India had been unbeaten through the tournament but were bowled out for 99 chasing 185. Alyssa Healy scored 75 off 39 balls and was named Player of the Tournament. The match generated global media coverage and established women's T20 cricket as a legitimate premium sporting event.
West Indies' 2016 Triumph
The 2016 Women's T20 World Cup final in Kolkata produced one of cricket's most dramatic moments. West Indies needed 9 runs off the last over to beat Australia. Stafanie Taylor, batting on 59, hit the last three balls of the final over (bowled by Megan Schutt) for six, six, four to win the match off the final ball. Deandra Dottin had earlier struck a crucial innings. The match is considered one of the greatest finals in women's cricket history.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Women's T20 World Cup start?
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup launched in 2009, held in England alongside the men's tournament. England won the inaugural edition, defeating New Zealand in the Lord's final.
Which team has won the most Women's T20 World Cups?
Australia have won 6 of the 8 Women's T20 World Cups (through 2023), making them by far the most dominant side in the competition's history.
How many people attended the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup final?
86,174 spectators attended the 2020 final between Australia and India at the MCG in Melbourne — the largest crowd ever for a women's cricket match.