As the cricketing world turns its eyes toward the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, set to take place from September 30 to November 2 in India and Sri Lanka, the stage is firmly set for another exhilarating chapter in the history of women’s cricket.
Since its inception in 1973, the Women’s World Cup has not only shaped legends but also defined legacies. While individual brilliance provides unforgettable moments, it is ultimately the consistency of teams across editions that underscores the true measure of dominance. At the heart of this narrative lies one crucial question: which teams have registered the most wins in the tournament’s history?
From Australia’s unmatched supremacy to the fierce resilience of England, New Zealand, and India, alongside the spirited journeys of South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, the World Cup has showcased a diverse spread of cricketing evolution. Here’s a detailed look at the teams with the most wins in Women’s ODI World Cup history.
Australia: The Benchmark of Supremacy (79 Wins, 11 Losses, 93 Matches)
At the very top sits Australia, the most dominant force in the history of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup. Their record speaks not just of victories but of sustained excellence across decades, 79 wins, just 11 defeats, and 7 titles to their name, making them the undisputed giants of the format.
Their journey began with a landmark victory against Young England on 23rd June 1973 in Bournemouth, winning by seven wickets. What followed was a dynasty spanning generations and led by iconic captains. They clinched the World Cup in 1978 (Margaret Jennings, India), 1982 (Sharon Tredrea, New Zealand), 1988 (Sharon Tredrea, Australia), 1997 (Belinda Clark, India), 2005 (Belinda Clark, South Africa), 2013 (Jodie Fields, India), and most recently, under Meg Lanning in 2022 (New Zealand).
Australia boasts the highest team total in tournament history: 412/3 against Denmark on 16th December 1997 in Mumbai, a record fueled by skipper Belinda Clark’s legendary 229* off 155 balls. Conversely, even the great Australians have faltered, with their lowest of 77 against New Zealand in Beckenham (1993) a stark reminder that cricket is a game of glorious uncertainty.
England: Consistent Contenders (62 Wins, 27 Losses, 92 Matches)
Closely following are England, custodians of 62 wins in 92 matches and four-time World Cup champions. Their journey, too, began in the inaugural edition, when they defeated the International XI by 135 runs on 23rd June 1973 at Hove, paving the way for their maiden title.
England’s World Cup triumphs came in their very first edition in 1973 (Rachael Heyhoe Flint’s leadership), 1993 (Karen Smithies on home soil), 2009 (Charlotte Edwards in Australia), and 2017 under Heather Knight on home soil, after 24 years. Their batting peaks were reached in 2017 against Pakistan at Leicester, when twin centuries from Heather Knight (106) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (137) powered them to 377/7, a mark of their attacking brand of cricket.
Yet, England also tasted some lows, none greater than their collapse to 95 against Australia in Nagpur (1997). Still, their pedigree and World Cup tradition continue to make them one of the most decorated sides in the women’s game.
New Zealand: The White Ferns Grit (54 Wins, 30 Losses, 87 Matches)
New Zealand hold third place with 54 wins, and while their list of achievements includes only one World Cup title, they remain among the most respected teams in world cricket. Their first win came at St Albans in 1973 against Trinidad & Tobago, by 136 runs, setting the tone for their spirited campaigns.
Their golden moment arrived in 2000, when under Emily Drumm’s captaincy, they lifted their maiden and only World Cup on home soil, defeating trans-Tasman rivals Australia in a gripping final. The White Ferns’ highest score came in 2009 against Pakistan in Sydney, 373/7, built around centuries by skipper Haidee Tiffen and the irrepressible Suzie Bates (168 off 105), who also earned the Player of the Match.
However, the tournament has not always been forgiving. Their lowest point came in 2017 at Derby, when they were skittled for just 79 runs against India, losing by 186 runs. Despite fluctuating fortunes, New Zealand have consistently embodied resilience and competitive spirit.
India: The Rising Force (37 Wins, 31 Losses, 70 Matches)
India’s women’s team stands at fourth place with 37 wins in 70 matches, a clear signal of their steady rise in world cricket. Their first triumph came in Napier in January 1982, beating the International XI by 79 runs.
Though India has never lifted the World Cup trophy, they etched their mark as runners-up in 2005 (led by Mithali Raj, in South Africa) and in 2017 (again under Raj’s captaincy, in England). These campaigns cemented their position as a rising powerhouse.
India’s batting highlight came in March 2022 at Hamilton, where Smriti Mandhana (123) and Harmanpreet Kaur (109) led them to 317/8 against the West Indies, resulting in a 155-run win. But equally, they have endured heartbreaks, none starker than their lowest-ever 37 against New Zealand in Auckland (1982). With the 2025 edition being co-hosted at home, India would want to finally break the barrier that has eluded them, lifting the elusive crown.
South Africa: On the Verge of Greatness (20 Wins, 24 Losses, 46 Matches)
South Africa occupies the middle rung with 20 victories in 46 games, having first announced themselves with a win over Ireland in 1997 at Pune. Their most promising campaign came just recently, in the 2022 World Cup, where they finished second in the league phase but fell to England in a tough semi-final at Christchurch.
Their batting high came in 2017 against England at Bristol, when they amassed 305/9, though they were outclassed by a stronger English unit. Their lowest point came against New Zealand in 2009 at Bowral, when they folded for just 51, crashing to a 199-run defeat. South Africa’s story is one of untapped potential, consistently producing talent, yet still searching for an elusive appearance in the grand finale.
Sri Lanka: Punching Above their Weight (8 Wins, 26 Losses, 35 Matches)
Sri Lanka’s cricketing journey has seen moments of brilliance despite limited success, reflected in their 8 wins in 35 matches. Their first triumph came in Delhi, 1997 against the West Indies.
The highlight of their ODI World Cup record came at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, in 2013, when they posted 282/5 against India and registered a stunning 138-run victory. Sri Lanka’s lowest came in 2005 against Australia, when they were bowled out for 57 in Pretoria. Though results haven’t consistently gone their way, their fearless style occasionally produces shocking upsets, a reminder that they remain a wildcard in world tournaments.
Pakistan: Struggling to Break Through (3 Wins, 27 Losses, 30 Matches)
Pakistan have managed just three victories in 30 games, with their maiden win coming in 2009 against Sri Lanka at Canberra, powered by Qanita Jalil’s all-round performance.
Their best batting effort came in 2022 against Bangladesh in Hamilton, scoring 225/9, though they ended up nine runs short. Their worst came much earlier, in 1997 against Australia, when they were dismissed for 27 in Hyderabad. For Pakistan, World Cups have been more about exposure and learning experiences, and the team continues to search for consistency at the global stage.
Bangladesh: Newcomers Seeking Stability (1 Win, 6 Losses, 7 Matches)
Bangladesh are still at the beginning of their World Cup journey, having made their debut in 2022, where they competed in 7 matches and recorded just a solitary win. That win came against Pakistan in Hamilton, courtesy of Fahima Khatun’s match-winning spell (3/38).
That very game also marked their highest ODI World Cup total (234/7). But the campaign also reminded them of the challenges ahead, as reflected in their lowest outing of 119 against India (2022, Hamilton).
For Bangladesh, the immediate goal remains gaining experience, as they patiently build a foundation for long-term success.
As the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup prepares to unfold in India and Sri Lanka, the storylines are compelling. Australia remains the gold standard, with England and New Zealand proving themselves as perennial contenders. India will have home advantage, hungry to convert near-misses into glory. South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh bring their own unique narratives, often capable of springing surprises.
The journey of wins and losses across decades underscores that the Women’s World Cup is not just about numbers, but about resilience, evolution, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As history waits to be rewritten this October–November, the cricketing world will once again celebrate the best of women’s cricket on its grandest stage.
