The ICC Women’s World Cup is the pinnacle of women’s cricket. It’s the most competitive cricket tournament as it tests the potential and brings out the best in women. Starting in 1973, the ICC Women’s World Cup has had 11 editions so far. The 2022 edition will be the 12th.
Australia has dominated the tournament so far winning 6 of the 11 World Cup events. England stand second with 4 titles and New Zealand placed 3rd with one championship in 2000. Other nations like India and West Indies have made it to the finals but have failed to win the championship. With the 2022 edition just days away, let’s look into the history of the ICC Women’s World Cup from 1973 to 2017.
1973 Women’s Cricket World Cup
The first edition of the Women’s World Cup was the first of its kind. It was the brainchild of Sir Jack Hayward and this tournament was scheduled from 20th June to 28th July 1973 in England. There were a total of 7 nations participating and had a total of 21 matches. England defeated Australia in the final league match at Birmingham and was crowned the inaugural champions. Princess Anne presented the World Cup to the champions of England.
1978 Women’s Cricket World Cup
The 2nd edition of the Women’s WC was held in India from 1st January to 13th January 1978. This time, the format was changed to 50 overs from 60 overs with only 4 teams were participating. England, India, Australia, and New Zealand were the 4 teams. There were a total of 6 matches. Australia and England were both undefeated in the tournament. They faced each other at Hyderabad in the last match with Australia beating England by 8 wickets.
1982 Women’s Cricket World Cup
New Zealand hosted the 3rd edition of the Women’s World Cup. The format went back to standard 60 overs a side. The tournament was played between 10th January to 7th February 1982 with 5 countries participating. An International XI consisting of players of 4 other participants (Australia, India, England, and New Zealand) entered as the 5th team. The final was once again Australia vs England with Australia beating England at Christchurch and winning the championship consecutive time.
1988 Women’s Cricket World Cup
After 6 year break, the 1988 edition of women’s WC was hosted by Australia with 5 teams participating in it. Ireland and Netherlands replaced India and International XI from the previous edition. Australia, England, and New Zealand were the other 3 teams. Australia and England for 3rd consecutive time and won the championship at Melbourne, Australia.
1993 Women’s Cricket World Cup
The 5th edition of the Women’s World Cup was held in England. This time, there were a total of 8 teams participating. Denmark and West Indies made their debut in this edition and team India came back after missing the 88’edition. A total of 29 matches were held with England defeating New Zealand in the final at Lord’s by 67 runs and winning their 2nd championship. England scored 195/5 in 60 overs and bowled out New Zealand for 128.
1997 Hero Honda Women’s Cricket World Cup
The 6th edition of Women’s WC was hosted by India. Hero Honda was the title sponsor. There were a total of 11 teams participating, the most in the tournament history. The format was changed to 50 overs a side instead of 60 overs. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and South Africa made their debut in this tournament. The 11 teams were divided into 2 groups. Group A had 6 teams and Group B had 5 teams. Australia defeated New Zealand in the final at Eden Gardens by 5 wickets and won their 4th title.
2000 Cricinfo Women’s Cricket World Cup
The 2000 edition of the Women’s World Cup was held in New Zealand. The event was sponsored by Cricinfo. There were a total of 8 teams participating with 31 scheduled matches. New Zealand won their first championship and only championship as they defeated their neighbors Australia in the final at Lincoln by 4 runs. The Kiwis scored 184 and the Aussies were bowled out for 180.
2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup
South Africa hosted the 2005 edition of Women’s WC for the very first time. There were a total of 8 teams participating across 31 matches. Australia won the 5th title by defeating first-time finalists India in the final by 98 runs at Centurion. Australia scored 215/4 in 50 overs and bowled out team India for 117.
2009 Women’s Cricket World Cup
Australia hosted this edition of the World Cup with 8 countries participating in 25 matches. There were 2 groups with 4 teams each. The finals saw England bowling out New Zealand for 166. The English women chased the score easily and win their 3rd champions in Sydney, Australia.
2013 Women’s Cricket World Cup
The 10th edition of Women’s WC was held in India with a standard of 8 teams participating across 25 matches. The finals were held in the iconic Braboune Stadium, Mumbai, and saw Australia defeat West Indies by 114 runs. Australia scored 259/5 in 50 overs. They bowled out the Windies women for 145 and won their record 6th championship.
2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup
The 2017 edition of the Women’s WC was held in England. A total of 8 teams participated across 31 matches. The finals were held at ‘Mecca of Cricket’ Lord’s as host England defeated team India by 10 runs to win their 4th champions.
The upcoming 2022 edition of the Women’s World Cup will be the 12th edition. New Zealand will be hosting this for the 3rd time with 8 nations participating in the tournament. The tournament kicks off on March 4th with hosts New Zealand facing West Indies in the tournament opener at Mount Maunganui. The finals are scheduled for April 3rd at Christchurch.
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