Women's ODI Cricket — Format, History, and Key Facts
A complete guide to Women's ODI cricket — the format, the Women's Cricket World Cup, and the growth of women's international cricket.
Women's One Day International (ODI) cricket has been played since 1973 — one year before the first men's Cricket World Cup. Women's ODI cricket typically features 50 overs per side, the same format as the men's game, and is the primary format for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. The women's game has grown dramatically in the 21st century, with increasing broadcast coverage, prize money, and professional contracts for players.
ICC Women's Cricket World Cup
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup is the premier 50-over women's cricket tournament, held every four years. Australia have dominated the competition, winning more titles than any other nation — reflecting their exceptionally strong women's cricket programme and the depth of domestic competition through the WBBL and Women's National Cricket League (WNCL).
Women's ODI World Cup Winners
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | England | Australia | England |
| 1978 | Australia | England | India |
| 1982 | Australia | England | New Zealand |
| 1988 | Australia | England | Australia |
| 1993 | England | New Zealand | England |
| 1997 | Australia | South Africa | India |
| 2000 | New Zealand | Australia | New Zealand |
| 2005 | Australia | India | South Africa |
| 2009 | England | New Zealand | Australia |
| 2013 | Australia | West Indies | India |
| 2017 | England | India | England |
| 2022 | Australia | England | New Zealand |
The Growth of Women's Cricket
The past decade has seen transformative investment in women's cricket. Central contracts, dedicated domestic leagues (WBBL in Australia, The Hundred in England, WPL in India), and increasingly parity with men's tours has professionalised the women's game. The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 final at MCG attracted over 86,000 spectators — a world record for a women's cricket match.
Frequently asked questions
When did Women's ODI cricket start?
Women's ODI cricket began in 1973 with the first Women's Cricket World Cup in England — one year before the first men's Cricket World Cup. Australia and England played each other in the final, which England won.
Who has won the most Women's ODI World Cups?
Australia have won the most Women's ODI World Cups — seven titles — making them the dominant force in the history of the competition.