Australia has set the benchmark in the ICC Women’s World Cup by winning seven World Cup titles, which is the most by any team. Since the tournament began in 1973, it has grown into the premier 50 over competition in women’s cricket.
The 2025 edition took place from September 30 to October 27 and was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Australia entered as defending champions, but this year’s tournament ended with a historic moment as India lifted their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title after defeating South Africa in the final.
This article will take you through the history of the tournament, highlight key milestones, and give a snapshot of what happened in the 2025 World Cup.
ICC Women’s World Cup Winners List (1973–2025)
The Women’s World Cup has been producing memorable moments for over fifty years. Some of the tournaments were dominated by a single team, while others brought surprising results that fans still talk about today.
Each edition has helped elevate women’s cricket worldwide, inspiring new generations of players.
Here is the complete list of winners, runners-up, hosts, and final venues:
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Host Country | Final Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | England | Australia | England | – |
| 1978 | Australia | England | India | – |
| 1982 | Australia | England | New Zealand | Christchurch |
| 1988 | Australia | England | Australia | Melbourne |
| 1993 | England | New Zealand | England | London |
| 1997 | Australia | New Zealand | India | Calcutta |
| 2000 | New Zealand | Australia | New Zealand | Lincoln |
| 2005 | Australia | India | South Africa | Centurion |
| 2009 | England | New Zealand | Australia | Sydney |
| 2013 | Australia | West Indies | India | Mumbai |
| 2017 | England | India | England | London |
| 2022 | Australia | England | New Zealand | Christchurch |
| 2025 | India | South Africa | India and Sri Lanka | Mumbai |
Australia and England have dominated the tournament over the years, while New Zealand’s win in 2000 remains one of the biggest surprises in women’s cricket history.
Most Successful Teams In Women’s World Cup History
Only three nations have lifted the Women’s World Cup trophy so far. Australia leads the pack with seven titles, England follows with four, and New Zealand has one championship.
| Team | Titles | Winning Years |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 7 | 1978, 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005, 2013, 2022 |
| England | 4 | 1973, 1993, 2009, 2017 |
| New Zealand | 1 | 2000 |
| India | 1 | 2025 |
Australia’s dominance is clear as they even won three tournaments in a row from 1978 to 1988. England has delivered some iconic performances, especially at Lord’s in 1993 and 2017.
India’s 2025 triumph marked a new chapter in women’s cricket, led by Shafali Verma’s stunning form and Harmanpreet Kaur’s inspiring leadership.
New Zealand’s 2000 victory was remarkable because it ended Australia’s strong run. After falling short in 2005 and 2017, India finally completed their dream run in 2025.
These stories show how history, talent, and determination intersect in women’s cricket.
Key Records and Milestones of ICC Women’s World Cup
Some moments have defined the ICC Women’s World Cup:
- Most Finals: Australia has appeared in 10 finals, more than any other nation.
- First Champions: England won the inaugural 1973 tournament, and Enid Bakewell finished as the leading run-scorer.
- Longest Title Gap: England waited 20 years between their 1973 and 1993 wins.
- Historic Upset: New Zealand’s 2000 victory over Australia ended the latter’s early dominance and remains one of the biggest surprises in World Cup history.
- New Milestone (2025): India became the fourth team to win the ICC Women’s World Cup, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.
These records highlight both consistency and unpredictability, showing how the tournament has evolved over decades.
Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 — Tournament Summary
The 2025 edition kicked off on September 30, with India taking on Sri Lanka in Guwahati. The tournament concluded on October 27, 2025, with India defeating South Africa in the grand finale to claim their maiden title.
The format followed a round robin stage, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals and then the final.
Here’s an overview of the tournament:
- Edition: 13th
- Dates: September 30 – October 27, 2025
- Hosts: India & Sri Lanka
- Teams Participating: 8
- Format: Round Robin followed by Knockouts
- Defending Champions: Australia
- Total Matches: 31
The eight competing teams are India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The team captains are:
Participating Teams 2025
| Team | Captain |
|---|---|
| India | Harmanpreet Kaur |
| Australia | Alyssa Healy |
| England | Nat Sciver-Brunt |
| South Africa | Laura Wolvaardt |
| New Zealand | Sophie Devine |
| Sri Lanka | Chamari Athapaththu |
| Bangladesh | Nigar Sultana |
| Pakistan | Fatima Sana |
Final Match Summary (2025)
- Final: India vs South Africa
- Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
- Result: India won by 52 runs
- Player of the Match: Shafali Verma (87 runs off 78 balls and 2 wickets)
- Player of the Tournament: Deepti Sharma
India’s victory was powered by strong partnerships between Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma, with the bowling attack led by Pooja Vastrakar sealing the win.
Difference Between ODI and T20 World Cups
The ODI World Cup is a 50-over format, though the T20 World Cup is a 20-over format that started in 2009. Australia has been dominant in both, winning seven ODI titles and six T20 championships.
England won the first T20 World Cup in 2009, and the West Indies claimed the title in 2016. Unlike T20 tournaments, ODI World Cups occur every four years, giving teams time to prepare and plan for major campaigns.
Conclusion: India Creates History, Wins Maiden ICC Women’s World Cup Title
India’s 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup victory marks a historic milestone as their first-ever title in the tournament’s 50-year history. The win not only ended Australia’s dominance but also signaled a new era for women’s cricket in India and beyond.
The 2025 edition in India and Sri Lanka delivered thrilling moments, powerful performances, and emotional scenes that fans will remember for years.
With this victory, India joins the elite list of World Cup-winning nations, including Australia, England, and New Zealand, proving that persistence and passion can turn dreams into history.
FAQs
Australia leads with seven ICC Women’s World Cup victories, earned between 1978 and 2022.
Australia has seven titles, England has four, India has one, and New Zealand has one.
Australia has six T20 titles. England won in 2009, and the West Indies won in 2016.
Yes. India won their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup in 2025, defeating South Africa in the final at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.
