ICC Women's ODI World Cup: Full History and Champions
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup is the premier 50-over tournament in women's cricket, played since 1973 — two years before the men's equivalent. This guide covers every edition, dominant teams, iconic moments, and how the tournament has shaped the modern women's game.
The Women's Cricket World Cup was first held in 1973 in England, making it the oldest 50-over World Cup in cricket. Australia has dominated with seven titles, followed by England with four. The tournament has grown from a small England-hosted event into a global spectacle, with the 2022 edition in New Zealand drawing record broadcast audiences.
Origins and Early Editions (1973–1988)
The 1973 inaugural tournament was organised by Rachel Heyhoe Flint, a visionary English captain. England won the first edition on home soil. Australia claimed their first title in 1978 and began their run of dominance. New Zealand won in 1982, showing that women's cricket was truly globalising beyond England and Australia.
Australia's Dynasty
Australia has won the Women's World Cup a record seven times (1978, 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005, 2013, 2022). Their dominance spans four decades and reflects sustained investment in domestic cricket through the WBBL and WNCL. Players like Belinda Clark, Karen Rolton, and Meg Lanning have captained winning Australian sides across eras.
England's Four Titles
England won in 1973, 1993, 2009, and 2017. The 2017 victory at Lord's — defeating India in the final — was a watershed moment for women's cricket in England, drawing 24 million TV viewers. Anya Shrubsole took six wickets in the final as England chased down a target from an impossible position, in one of the great comeback victories.
India's Rising Force
India won their first Women's World Cup in 2025 (beat South Africa 52 runs in the Navi Mumbai final). They had previously been finalists in 2005 and came agonisingly close in 2017 (lost to England by 9 runs at Lord's). Mithali Raj led India for over 16 years as their most consistent batter. Jhulan Goswami became the leading wicket-taker in women's ODI history. The 2022 edition saw India exit in the semi-finals but their young squad is seen as the future.
Format and Qualification
The modern Women's World Cup features eight teams in a round-robin group stage, followed by semi-finals and a final. Teams qualify through ICC Women's Championship rankings and regional qualifying tournaments. The ICC Women's Championship is a dedicated ODI league played between editions to determine automatic berths, ensuring competitive pathways for all Test-playing nations.
2022 Edition and Beyond
New Zealand hosted the 2022 edition, with Australia defeating England in the final to claim their seventh title. Alyssa Healy scored 170 in the final — a World Cup record — in a dominant batting display. India hosted the 2025 edition — the first Women's World Cup on Indian soil — and won the title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at Navi Mumbai. Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Tournament.
Frequently asked questions
Who has won the most Women's Cricket World Cups?
Australia, with seven titles (1978, 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005, 2013, 2022). India won their first title in 2025, defeating South Africa in Navi Mumbai.
When was the first Women's Cricket World Cup?
In 1973 in England — two years before the first men's World Cup — won by England.
How many teams play in the Women's World Cup?
Eight teams compete in the modern format, with qualification through the ICC Women's Championship and regional tournaments.