In 1973, England broke new ground by hosting the first Women’s ODI World Cup, two years before the men’s equivalent. Seven pioneering teams competed in a round-robin league format, showcasing exceptional female talent and laying the foundation for international women’s cricket. Organisers seized a bold vision for equality and competition.
How the First Women’s ODI World Cup in 1973 Changed Cricket History
The honour of staging the first Women’s ODI World Cup belongs to England in 1973. This groundbreaking competition preceded the first men’s Cricket World Cup by two years, underlining the early commitment to international women’s cricket. The tournament was organised by forward-thinking administrators who recognised the sport’s untapped potential and the high calibre of female players.
The Unconventional Format of the 1973 Women’s World Cup
Seven teams took part: England, Australia, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, an International XI and Young England. Rather than a straight knockout or the modern round-robin with a final, the 1973 event utilised a full league system in which each side played every other once. This model guaranteed a minimum of six matches per team and allowed emerging stars to build form across multiple fixtures. Fierce competition.
The first-ever video proof of the Women’s ODI World Cup
For those interested in visual archives, footage from the 1973 World Cup can be found on specialist cricket history platforms, providing a rare glimpse into early women’s one-day action.
Top Run Scorers in the 1973 Women’s ODI World Cup
This table highlights the tournament’s leading run-scorers, with England’s Enid Bakewell topping charts thanks to her record-breaking 118. Their consistency set benchmarks, illustrating the depth of batting prowess in 1973. Below is the table detailing each player’s runs, innings and averages.
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs | Innings | Highest Score | Average | 100s | 50s |
| Enid Bakewell | England | 6 | 264 | 4 | 118 | 88 | 2 | 0 |
| Lynne Thomas | England | 5 | 263 | 4 | 134 | 87.66 | 1 | 1 |
| Rachael Heyhoe Flint | England | 6 | 257 | 6 | 114 | 85.66 | 1 | 1 |
| Jackie Potter | Australia | 6 | 167 | 5 | 57 | 83.5 | 0 | 2 |
| Vivalyn Latty-Scott | Jamaica | 5 | 168 | 5 | 61 | 33.6 | 0 | 2 |
| Geraldine Davies | Young England | 5 | 157 | 5 | 65 | 31.4 | 0 | 2 |
| Louise Browne | Trinidad and Tobago | 6 | 150 | 6 | 50* | 30 | 0 | 1 |
Leading Wicket-Takers of the 1973 Women’s ODI World Cup
Showcasing the top wicket-takers of the 1973 Women’s ODI World Cup, with Young England’s Rosalind Heggs leading at 12 dismissals. Disciplined bowling was truly pivotal, highlighting the tournament’s competitive spirit. Below is the table detailing each player’s wickets, overs and bowling averages.
| Player | Team | Matches | Wickets | Average | Balls | Economy |
| Rosalind Heggs | Young England | 6 | 12 | 14.91 | 340 | 3.15 |
| Tina Macpherson | Australia | 5 | 9 | 11 | 253 | 2.34 |
| Julia Greenwood | Young England | 5 | 9 | 13.66 | 310 | 2.38 |
| Mary Pilling | England | 6 | 9 | 10.22 | 354 | 1.55 |
| Glynis Hullah | Young England | 5 | 8 | 14.62 | 307 | 2.28 |
| Nora St Rose | Trinidad and Tobago | 6 | 8 | 10.25 | 396 | 1.24 |
| June Stephenson | England | 6 | 7 | 13.42 | 270 | 2.08 |
1973 Women’s Cricket World Cup in the News
After compelling pool clashes, England clinched the title by topping the points table. Their consistent all-round performances throughout the competition showcased home advantage and strategic nous, inspiring a generation of English women cricketers and bringing wider media attention to the women’s game. Contemporary coverage highlighted standout performers like Rachael Heyhoe Flint and Enid Bakewell, whose contributions helped elevate the women’s game.
The Lasting Legacy of the First Women’s ODI World Cup
The 1973 Women’s ODI World Cup transcended sport to become a milestone for gender equality in athletics. It proved that women’s international cricket could attract public interest and media coverage, leading to increased funding and regular bilateral series. This success laid the groundwork for subsequent tournaments in 1978, 1982 and beyond, institutionalising the Women’s World Cup within the international cricket calendar. This breakthrough stimulated domestic leagues in Australia and India, cementing future growth.
Final Thoughts
The launch of the Women’s ODI World Cup in 1973 marked a turning point for women’s cricket. England’s pioneering event not only inaugurated formal global competition for female cricketers but also established a template for future World Cups. Its enduring legacy continues to inspire players and administrators striving for growth and parity in the modern era. Its success underscored the importance of structured international competition for women’s sport.
Women’s ODI World Cup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: In what year was the first Women’s ODI World Cup held?
A: In 1973.
Q: Which nation hosted the first edition of the Women’s World Cup?
A: England.
Q: How many teams competed in the inaugural tournament?
A: Seven.
Q: Who emerged as champions of the 1973 World Cup?
A: England.
Q: Did the Women’s World Cup predate the first men’s Cricket World Cup?
A: Yes; the women’s event occurred in 1973, two years before the men’s competition began in 1975.
