The story of every Women’s T20 World Cup so far

Nine editions, four different champions and a whole lot of action, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has delivered thrilling cricketing moments across the board.

Here’s a look at everything that unfolded in each and every edition of the tournament

2009

Winner: England

Runners-up: New Zealand

The inaugural edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup was held in England as an eight-team event alongside the men’s tournament. It saw England, Australia and New Zealand establish themselves as the dominant sides in the format, with all three reaching the semi-finals along with India.

England and New Zealand faced off in the final, where England chased down a modest target of 87 in 17 overs to win the first-ever title, their only title to date. New Zealand’s Aimee Watkins finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, while England’s Holly Colvin topped the wicket-taking charts.

2010

Winner: Australia

Runners-up: New Zealand

The second edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup saw the emergence of two T20 powerhouses in Australia and West Indies. Hosted in the West Indies, the tournament highlighted the hosts’ aggressive brand of cricket, a style that would soon become a defining feature of the T20 format.

Australia went on to defeat New Zealand in the final to claim their first title, kickstarting an era of dominance.

Sara McGlashan and Diana David finished as the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker respectively, while the likes of Stafanie Taylor, Ellyse Perry and Deandra Dottin emerged as exciting talents who would go on to become legends of the game.

2012

Winner: Australia

Runners-up: England

Sri Lanka hosted the third edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, where Australia established themselves as the dominant force. A strong blend of youth and experience guided them to a second title, while England, West Indies and India continued to challenge but fell short at crucial moments.

Charlotte Edwards topped the run charts, while Julie Hunter finished as the leading wicket-taker.

2014

Winner: Australia

Runners-up: England

The 2014 edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2014, held in Bangladesh, marked the first time ten teams participated in the tournament. Once again, England and Australia dominated their respective groups, setting up a repeat of the 2012 final, while South Africa reached the semi-finals for the first time.

The final, however, was one-sided as Australia comfortably chased down a modest target of 106 in just 15 overs to secure their third consecutive title. Meg Lanning, in her first tournament as permanent captain, finished as the leading run-scorer, while Anya Shrubsole topped the wicket-taking charts.

2016

Winner: West Indies

Runners-up: Australia

One of the most thrilling editions of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2016 took place in India, where Australia’s dominance was challenged by a high-flying West Indies side. In a gripping final, Australia posted a competitive total of 148, setting up a tense chase.

However, an 18-year-old Hayley Matthews, alongside captain Stafanie Taylor, stitched together a record-breaking 120-run opening stand to guide West Indies to victory with three balls to spare. The triumph was made even more special as, on the same day, the West Indies men's team also lifted the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2016, defeating England in the final.

2018

Winner: Australia

Runners-up: England

It was a landmark year for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup as it became a standalone event, no longer tied to the men’s schedule. The tournament also saw the rise of India, highlighted by a famous group-stage victory over Australia.

Australia, however, bounced back strongly when it mattered most, defeating West Indies in the semi-final and England in the final to clinch their fourth title. Alyssa Healy starred with the bat to top the run charts, while Deandra Dottin showcased her all-round brilliance by finishing as the leading wicket-taker.

2020

Winner: Australia

Runners-up: India

The 2020 edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia was one of the biggest tournaments ever witnessed. The crowning moment came in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where a marquee clash between Australia and India saw a record attendance of 86,174.

Backed by passionate home support, Australia delivered a masterclass in the final, posting 184 before bowling out India for 99 to seal their fifth title. Beth Mooney and Megan Schutt topped the run-scoring and wicket-taking charts, respectively, forming the backbone of Australia’s dominant campaign.

2023

Winner: Australia

Runners-up: South Africa

The 2023 T20 World Cup was hosted in South Africa for the first time, and the home side impressed throughout, reaching the final for the first time in the tournament’s history. Australia and England once again remained dominant forces, while India continued their strong run to reach the semi-finals.

The final saw hosts South Africa take on a formidable Australian side. Australia posted 156 batting first, while South Africa could only manage 137 in response, handing Australia their sixth T20 World Cup title. Laura Wolvaardt finished as the leading run-scorer, while Sophie Ecclestone spin magic helped her top the wicket taking charts.

2024

Winner: New Zealand

Runners-up: South Africa

The latest edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup saw New Zealand finally cross the finish line to win their maiden title, becoming the fourth different team to lift the trophy. The tournament also marked a historic first, with neither England nor Australia featuring in the final.

Led by Sophie Devine, New Zealand produced a stellar campaign, capped off by a commanding 32-run victory over South Africa in the final to secure their first ICC title in 24 years. Laura Wolvaardt finished as the leading run-scorer of the tournament once again, while Melie Kerr, who was also named Player of the Tournament, ended as the leading wicket-taker.