For nine unforgettable tournaments, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has given us pure drama. The player likes Meg Lanning, Stafanie Taylor, Suzie Bates, and Harmanpreet Kaur became global superstars and household names. Here’s looking back at the moments that gradually changed women’s cricket forever.
2009
Winners: England
Runners-up: New Zealand
The first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup was held in England as an eight-team tournament alongside the men’s event, which was having its second edition. England, Australia, and New Zealand emerged as the leading teams, with all three reaching the semi-finals along with India.
England and New Zealand faced off in the final at Lord’s. England easily chased down a modest target of 87 in 17 overs to win the first-ever and only Women’s T20 World Cup. New Zealand’s Aimee Watkins finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, while England’s Holly Colvin had the honour of topping the wicket-taking charts.
2010
Winners: Australia
Runners-up: New Zealand
The second edition is remembered for the exciting brand of cricket played by the hosts, the West Indies, and the champions, Australia. From this tournament, Australia’s era of dominance began. It introduced some world-class cricketers like Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy. For the hosts, the names like Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin emerged as household names.
Australia faced India, whereas the West Indies faced New Zealand in the Semi-final stage. The two Tasmanian neighbours went to play the final, where Australia beat New Zealand by just 3 runs to claim their first title. Perry was the player of the final for her 3/18.
2012
Winners: Australia
Runners-up: England
The third edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup took place in Sri Lanka. Australia came with a mission to confirm their status as the leading team in the women’s game, and they duly established that with some great performances coming from both young and experienced players. A strong blend of youth and experience guided them to a second title.
The final was an old rivalry as Australia and England faced each other after beating West Indies and New Zealand, respectively, in the semi-finals. In the final, Australia again registered a thrilling win as they defeated England by just 4 runs. Charlotte Edwards finished as the player of the tournament for her 172 runs.
2014
Winners: Australia
Runners-up: England
For the first time, 10 teams participated in the tournament, which was hosted in Bangladesh. Australia and England were still the teams to beat as they easily reached the semi-final and beat West Indies and South Africa, respectively, to set up a final clash- a repeat of the previous tournament.
The final turned out to be a one-sided affair. Australia recorded a 6-wicket victory as Sarah Coyte picked up 3/16. Anya Shrubsole of England was the player of the tournament for her 13 wickets. Meg Lanning led Australia to their third title and also ended as the highest run-scorer of the tournament.
2016
Winners: West Indies
Runners-up: Australia
The fifth edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup took place in the sport’s spiritual home, which is India. In one of the most exciting tournaments, the hosts India were eliminated in the Group stage after a shock defeat to Pakistan. Australia and the West Indies faced each other in the final after winning their respective Semi-finals against New Zealand and Australia.
Everyone expected Australia to win their fourth title at the iconic Eden Gardens, the venue for the final. However, the West Indians had other plans. A daunting chase of 148 was managed thanks to a record-breaking 120-run opening partnership between the 18-year-old Hayley Matthews and captain Stafanie Taylor. West Indies eventually won their maiden title with 3 balls to spare. Matthews was the player of the final for her 66 and 1/13, whereas Taylor was the player of the tournament for her 246 runs and 8 wickets.
