NAVI MUMBAI, Oct 31 — On Thursday, fans at the DY Patil Stadium witnessed a cricketing spectacle as Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a stunning unbeaten 127, lighting up the field and etching her name in the record books. Her performance not only celebrated individual brilliance but also rekindled the pride and passion surrounding women’s cricket a sport that has evolved tremendously since its humble beginnings in the 1970s.
As fans celebrated this memorable knock, it offered the perfect occasion to look back at the remarkable journey of the Women’s Cricket World Cup, the teams that lifted the coveted trophy, and the captains who inspired generations.
Women’s Cricket World Cup Winners by Year
YearWinning CountryRunners upWinning Captain1973EnglandAustraliaRachael Heyhoe Flint1978AustraliaEnglandMargaret Jennings1982AustraliaEnglandSharon Tredrea1988AustraliaEnglandSharon Tredrea1993EnglandNew ZealandKaren Smithies1997AustraliaNew ZealandBelinda Clark2000New ZealandAustraliaEmily Drumm2005AustraliaIndiaBelinda Clark2009EnglandNew ZealandCharlotte Edwards2013AustraliaWest IndiesJodie Fields2017EnglandIndiaHeather Knight2022AustraliaEnglandMeg Lanning
A Legacy Forged in Determination
Women’s international cricket traces its roots to 1934 when England toured Australia and New Zealand, marking the first-ever women’s Test match a match that England won, setting the stage for what would become an inspiring sporting movement.
By 1960, South Africa joined the Test circuit, and in 1962, England hosted the first limited overs match nearly a decade before men’s ODI cricket began in 1971.
The first ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 1973, hosted by England, predated the men’s tournament by two years. Despite financial struggles and a six-year gap between editions, the inaugural event saw England triumph over Australia under Rachael Heyhoe Flint’s leadership.
For decades, Australia and England dominated the women’s game, led by icons like Margaret Jennings, Sharon Tredrea, and Karen Smithies. Their consistency laid the foundation for professionalism and global recognition in women’s cricket.
2025: A New Chapter Awaits
With India in the 2025 final, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter one that could either witness the rise of a new champion or further cement the legacy of cricketing giants.
From the pioneers of the 1970s to today’s modern icons, the Women’s Cricket World Cup winners list (1973–2025) is more than just a record it’s a tribute to resilience, talent, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines women’s cricket worldwide.