Women's Cricket World Cup: Complete History from 1973 to 2022
The Women's Cricket World Cup is older than the men's — it started in 1973. Learn the complete history, all winners, iconic matches, and the growth of women's cricket globally.
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup is older than the men's tournament. The first Women's World Cup was held in 1973 in England — two years before the inaugural men's edition in 1975. Australia and England have dominated the tournament, with Australia winning seven titles.
All Women's World Cup winners
| 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 | South Africa |
| 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 |
1973 — the first-ever World Cup
England won the first Women's Cricket World Cup in 1973 — before there was any men's equivalent. Rachael Heyhoe Flint, England's captain, was instrumental in organising the event and persuading the ICC to sanction it. The tournament was funded largely through private donations and player participation fees.
2017 final — the match that changed everything
England's 9-run win over India in the 2017 final at Lord's was the most-watched women's cricket match in history up to that point. India, led by Mithali Raj and sparked by Harmanpreet Kaur's 171* in the semi-final, were expected to win. England won chasing a tense final target. The match is credited with transforming the commercial profile of women's cricket globally.
2022 — Australia's dominance
Australia won the 2022 Women's World Cup in New Zealand, defeating England in the final by 71 runs. It was their seventh World Cup title. Alyssa Healy (170), Beth Mooney, and Meg Lanning continued Australia's extraordinary dominance of the women's game.
Growth of the women's game
Women's Test cricket now attracts significant media coverage. The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia is a well-funded domestic T20 competition. The ICC Women's Championship provides a pathway structure. England's Hundred (2021–) and the WPL in India (2023–) have further raised profiles and salaries.
Frequently asked questions
Who has won the most Women's Cricket World Cups?
Australia have won seven Women's ODI World Cups — in 1978, 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005, 2013, and 2022.
When was the first Women's Cricket World Cup?
The first Women's World Cup was held in 1973 in England — two years before the first men's World Cup in 1975. England won it.
What was the significance of the 2017 Women's World Cup final?
England beat India by 9 runs in the 2017 final at Lord's. The match drew record TV audiences and is credited with transforming the commercial profile of women's cricket globally.