India Women Cricket Team: History, World Cup Finals and Icons
An overview of the India women’s cricket team, from its 1970s beginnings to World Cup finals, Asian Games gold, Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami and the WPL.
The India women’s team has grown from modest beginnings into one of the leading sides in the women’s game, helped by increased investment, television coverage and the arrival of a franchise league at home.
Early years
The Women’s Cricket Association of India was formed in 1973, and the national team played its first Test series, against the West Indies, in 1976. For many years the women’s game received limited funding and attention. The women’s cricket body later merged with the BCCI, which now oversees the team alongside the men’s side.
World Cup finals
India has reached the final of the Women’s ODI World Cup twice up to the end of 2024. They lost to Australia in the 2005 final in Centurion, South Africa, and to England by nine runs at Lord’s in 2017, in a match remembered for a late collapse. In the T20 World Cup, India reached the 2020 final in Melbourne, where Australia won in front of a record crowd.
Medals and tournaments
India won gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, defeating Sri Lanka in the T20 final. The team also took silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where women’s cricket made its debut in the T20 format, losing the final to Australia.
Pioneers
Two players stand out in the history of the team. Mithali Raj, who retired in 2022, scored more runs in women’s one-day internationals than any other player. Fast bowler Jhulan Goswami, who also retired in 2022, took more wickets in the format than anyone else. Their long careers helped inspire a generation of younger players.
Women’s Premier League
The Women’s Premier League, a franchise T20 tournament, began in 2023 and has given Indian players more high-level matches, along with greater exposure to overseas stars. It is widely seen as a significant step in the development of the sport in the country. This overview does not cover current squads, captaincy, rankings or results after 2024.
Frequently asked questions
How many Women’s ODI World Cup finals has India reached?
Up to the end of 2024, India reached two finals, in 2005 and 2017, losing both.
Did India win a medal at the 2023 Asian Games?
Yes. India won gold in the women’s T20 event, beating Sri Lanka in the final.
When did the Women’s Premier League start?
The Women’s Premier League began in 2023.