Here’s a fun fact that might shock you – the women’s ODI World Cup actually started BEFORE the men’s tournament! That’s right, while most people think men’s cricket always leads the way, women were playing World Cup cricket two years earlier.
When Was The First-Ever Women’s ODI World Cup Played?
The first-ever women’s ODI World Cup was played in 1973, two whole years before men got their first World Cup in 1975. This historic tournament was:
- Hosted by England
- Featured 7 teams competing
- Played in the 60-over format (unlike today’s 50 overs)
- Saw England defeat Australia in the final
Imagine that – while men were still playing regular Test matches, women were already battling for a World Cup trophy!
Most Runs in 1973 Women’s ODI World Cup
Here’s the player with the most runs in the 1973 Women’s ODI World Cup:
Player | Team | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Highest Score | 100s | 50s |
Enid Bakewell | England | 6 | 4 | 264 | 88 | 118 | 2 | 0 |
Lynne Thomas | England | 5 | 4 | 263 | 87.66 | 134 | 1 | 1 |
Rachael Heyhoe Flint | England | 6 | 6 | 257 | 85.66 | 114 | 1 | 1 |
Jackie Potter | Australia | 6 | 5 | 167 | 83.5 | 57 | 0 | 2 |
Vivalyn Latty-Scott | Jamaica | 5 | 5 | 168 | 33.6 | 61 | 0 | 2 |
Geraldine Davies | Young England | 5 | 5 | 157 | 31.4 | 65 | 0 | 2 |
Louise Browne | Trinidad and Tobago | 6 | 6 | 150 | 30 | 50* | 0 | 1 |
Most Wickets in the 1973 Women’s ODI World Cup
Here’s the player with the most wickets in the 1973 Women’s ODI World Cup:
Player | Team | Matches | Balls | Wickets | Average | Economy |
Rosalind Heggs | Young England | 6 | 340 | 12 | 14.91 | 3.15 |
Tina Macpherson | Australia | 5 | 253 | 9 | 11 | 2.34 |
Julia Greenwood | Young England | 5 | 310 | 9 | 13.66 | 2.38 |
Mary Pilling | England | 6 | 354 | 9 | 10.22 | 1.55 |
Glynis Hullah | Young England | 5 | 307 | 8 | 14.62 | 2.28 |
Nora St Rose | Trinidad and Tobago | 6 | 396 | 8 | 10.25 | 1.24 |
June Stephenson | England | 6 | 270 | 7 | 13.42 | 2.08 |
Why This 1973 World Cup Was Special?
This wasn’t just any tournament – it set the stage for everything that followed:
- Australia vs England Rivalry Began Here – These two teams faced off in the final, starting a competition that still dominates women’s cricket today
- No ICC Involvement – Believe it or not, this first World Cup wasn’t even organized by the ICC! It was arranged by the English Women’s Cricket Association
- Different Rules – Matches had 12-over bowling limits per player and used lighter balls than men’s cricket
News And Article –India’s World Cup Journey
Our Indian team entered the scene in 1978 when India hosted the tournament. While we’re still chasing that first title, we’ve come close:
- 2005 Final: Lost to Australia by 98 runs
- 2017 Final: Heartbreaking 9-run loss to England
That 2017 final at Lord’s was especially painful – remember when Harmanpreet Kaur smashed that incredible 171* against Australia in the semis? We were so close!
Recent Champions
The 2022 World Cup saw Australia continue their dominance:
- Beat England by 71 runs in the final
- Their 7th title overall
- Proved they’re still the team to beat
Why This History Matters?
From that small 7-team start in 1973 to today’s global tournaments with packed stadiums – what a journey! So next time someone says women’s cricket is “new” or “less historic” than men’s, you can tell them – “Actually, the women had a World Cup first!”
