ICC Women's Cricket World Cup — History, Format, and Records
The ICC Women's World Cup is the premier 50-over competition in women's cricket. Learn about its history, format, dominant teams, and key records.
About the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup is the premier 50-over international competition for women's national cricket teams. First held in 1973 — two years before the men's equivalent — it is contested every four years. Australia is the most successful nation, having won the tournament seven times. England, West Indies, and New Zealand have each won it once.
Tournament History
| Year | Host | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | England | England | Australia |
| 1978 | India | Australia | England |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Australia | England |
| 1988 | Australia | Australia | England |
| 1993 | England | England | New Zealand |
| 1997 | India | Australia | New Zealand |
| 2000 | New Zealand | New Zealand | Australia |
| 2005 | South Africa | Australia | India |
| 2009 | Australia | England | New Zealand |
| 2013 | India | Australia | West Indies |
| 2017 | England | England | India |
| 2022 | New Zealand | Australia | England |
Australia's Dominance
Australia have won seven Women's World Cups and are the undisputed most successful team in the competition's history. Their success is built on professional domestic structures (WBBL), strong development pathways, and a deep talent pool. Stars like Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, and Beth Mooney have carried the legacy of earlier greats like Belinda Clark.
Key Records
- Highest individual score: 232* — Belinda Clark (Australia) vs Denmark, 1997 World Cup.
- Most World Cup runs: Meg Lanning and Charlotte Edwards are among the leaders in women's ODI World Cup run-scoring.
- Unbeaten tournament record: Australia have gone unbeaten through multiple editions.
- First edition (1973) was held before the men's World Cup (1975).
Frequently asked questions
How often is the Women's World Cup held?
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup is held every four years. The next edition follows the 2022 tournament. The ICC periodically reviews the four-year cycle as part of its Future Tours Programme (FTP) planning.
Who is the highest run-scorer in Women's World Cup history?
Multiple players have accumulated large totals across tournaments. Belinda Clark of Australia held many records from the 1990s–2000s, while more recent players like Meg Lanning, Charlotte Edwards, and Suzie Bates have also accumulated significant World Cup run tallies.