Women’s World Cup Winners List: From 1973 to 2022

In the past decade, the Women’s cricket format has gained unimaginable popularity. Legends like Mithali Raj, Suzie Bates, Harmanpreet Singh, Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry and more have been the face of the women’s game, representing the sport in front of the entire world. Their remarkable performances and inspiring leadership have drawn attention to the incredible talent within women's cricket. This rising interest has put the spotlight on the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, the pinnacle of women's cricket. The tournament showcases the best teams and players, highlighting the evolution and growth of the sport.

So, in this article by ZAP, let’s dive deep and learn more about the history of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup and the winners since its inception.

The History of the ICC ODI Women’s Cricket World Cup

The history of the ICC ODI Women’s Cricket World Cup starts with the first women's international cricket match in 1934 when England played against Australia. For many years, only England, Australia, and New Zealand played women's Test matches until South Africa joined in 1960. Limited overs cricket began in England in 1962, and the first men's international one-day match was held in 1971.

In 1971, discussions were made about organizing a Women's Cricket World Cup. South Africa was not invited due to apartheid, and England, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago were the teams to participate in the first ever ICC ODI Women’s World Cup. England also included a "Young England" team and an "International XI." Initially, some South African players were invited to join the International XI, but this invitation was later withdrawn.

The first Women's Cricket World Cup took place in England in June and July 1973, predating the men's World Cup by two years. It was a round-robin league type tournament. England eventually won the first Women’s Cricket World Cup by getting 20 points throughout the tournament.  

Also Read: History of Cricket

ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Winners List: From 1973 to 2022

The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup is a prestigious tournament in women's cricket, but of the many teams that have played in the tournament, only 3 nations have won the trophy in the 12 editions played. England, the host of the inaugural tournament in 1973, emerged victorious by topping the points table, with Australia as the runner-up. Australia's dominance in women's cricket is evident, having won the title multiple times. They first won in 1978 in India by leading the points table, and they continued their success with victories in 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005, 2013, and 2022, showcasing dominance. New Zealand have had their crowning moment, when they lifted the trophy in 2000, in their own homeground. 

In 1982, Australia defeated England by 3 wickets in a thrilling final in New Zealand, and in 1988, they secured another win against England by 8 wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. England, too, has had its moments of glory, particularly in 1993, when they defeated New Zealand by 67 runs at Lord’s and in 2017, when they narrowly beat India by 9 runs at the same historic venue. New Zealand's sole triumph came in 2000, when they edged out Australia by 4 runs in a close final in Lincoln. The farthest the Indian Women’s Cricket Team reached in this tournament was when they reached the finals on two occcasions, in 2005 against Australia and in 2017 against England in the 2017 edition at Lord’s. 

Also Read: ICC ODI Men's World Cup Winners | ICC ODI Men's World Cup Winning Captains | ICC T20 World Cup Winners

FAQ: