Australia Women Cricket Team: History, World Cups and Legacy
The story of the Australia women’s cricket team, from the 1934–35 Test debut to seven ODI World Cup titles, six T20 World Cups and a dominant modern era.
Australia’s women have been the most successful team in international women’s cricket for much of the modern era. Their record in global tournaments is the strongest of any side in the format up to the end of 2024.
Origins
Australia played its first women’s Test series, against England, in 1934–35, with the opening match in Brisbane. The two countries have been rivals ever since, with the Women’s Ashes now played across formats. The team is run by Cricket Australia and is often known as the Southern Stars.
One-day World Cup record
Australia has won the Women’s ODI World Cup seven times, in 1978, 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005, 2013 and 2022. The 2022 triumph came in New Zealand, where they beat England by 71 runs in the final in Christchurch.
T20 World Cup record
In the shorter format, Australia lifted the T20 World Cup in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023. The 2020 win came at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in front of a record crowd for a women’s cricket match, and the 2023 final in Cape Town was a 19-run victory over hosts South Africa.
Individual landmarks
Belinda Clark, one of the game’s early stars, scored an unbeaten 229 against Denmark at the 1997 World Cup. It was the first double century in a one-day international by any player, male or female. Australia also won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where women’s cricket made its debut in the T20 format.
Domestic base
The Women’s Big Bash League, which started in 2015, has been a major factor in Australia’s strength by providing regular professional competition and growing public interest. This overview does not cover current squads, captaincy, rankings or results after 2024.
Frequently asked questions
How many Women’s ODI World Cups has Australia won?
Australia has won seven titles, in 1978, 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005, 2013 and 2022.
How many T20 World Cups has Australia won?
Up to the end of 2024, six: 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023.
Who scored the first ODI double century?
Australia’s Belinda Clark made an unbeaten 229 against Denmark at the 1997 World Cup.