We’re just days away from the 13th Women’s ODI World Cup, which begins on September 30. Over the past 52 years, the tournament has given us countless thrilling moments and unforgettable performances. As we gear up for the next edition, let’s revisit five standout memories from the last three World Cups that not only lit up the stage but also changed the game in their own way.
Alyssa Healy’s 2022 Knockout Brilliance
Alyssa Healy has been one of the biggest match-winners for the Australian women’s cricket team. Over the years, she has given many amazing match-winning performances and has made her team proud of her. The 2022 edition of the Women’s World Cup was just another incident when Alyssa Healy proved that in style.
In the semi-final against West Indies, Alyssa Healy was given an early chance and made the most of it. Blazing her way to a 91-ball century, she reached her hundred in just 28 balls after crossing fifty. Her 129 off 107, packed with 17 fours and a six, set up a massive 157-run win.
Four days after giving this stunning performance, Alyssa Healy went even bigger during the final of the Women’s World Cup 2025. She smashed a commanding 170 against England, earning both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards, along with helping Australia lift the trophy. With 509 runs, she finished as the top scorer of the tournament, the most by any player in a single World Cup.
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Reflecting on it later, Healy told ESPNcricinfo, “It was an amazing 50-over World Cup for the Australian women’s team, but for me personally the innings in the final was pretty special. To contribute and get them over the line in a big match was obviously pretty special for our group.”
Harmanpreet’s Iconic 171* in 2017
If the 2017 World Cup gave women’s cricket its big breakthrough, Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten 171 against Australia was the spark. In a rain-shortened semi-final, despite nursing a shoulder injury, she played one of the most destructive innings the game has ever seen.
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She hammered 20 fours and seven sixes, racing from 50 to 100 in just 26 balls, and then from 100 to 150 in only 17 deliveries. Her extraordinary knock not only stunned Australia but also left an indelible mark on cricket history.
Talking about it recently, Harmanpreet said, “That knock was really special to me and for women’s cricket… Still, when I remember that innings I get goosebumps.”
Goswami’s Peach to Lanning
That same semi-final in 2017 had another unforgettable moment. While Harmanpreet’s innings stole the headlines, Jhulan Goswami produced one of the finest deliveries of her career to dismiss Meg Lanning, one of the world’s best batters.
It was a peach: short of a length, angling in before straightening just enough to clip the top of the off stump. Lanning walked off instantly, while Goswami’s roar told the story of how important that wicket was.
Later, Goswami revealed she had considered asking to be dropped earlier in the tournament after going wicketless. But coach Tushar Arothe convinced her to lead the attack. And lead she did. As she explained, “Meg Lanning is among the best players in the world and she is very strong square of the wicket… Luckily everything went our way.”
Sri Lanka’s First Big Win in 2013
Sri Lanka stunned defending champs England with a last-ball six for their first victory over a big-four side. England posted 238, and Chamari Athapaththu gave Sri Lanka a solid start. But when they slipped to 157 for 5, the game looked out of reach.
Enter Eshani Lokusuriyage, who smashed three sixes under immense pressure and carried the chase deep. She was run out with the scores level, but Dilani Manodara sealed it with a last-ball six, giving Sri Lanka their first win against a big-four side.
Captain Shashikala Siriwardene still remembers it vividly: “The first thing that comes to my mind when you mention the 2013 World Cup was how we rushed the field after the win… Our lives and our cricket changed with that match.”
Shrubsole’s Double Heartbreak in 2017
No one broke more hearts in the 2017 World Cup than England’s Anya Shrubsole. In back-to-back knockout matches, she snatched victory first from South Africa and then from India, leading England to their fourth World Cup title.
In the semi-final, England needed three runs off the final over with three wickets left. Shabnim Ismail gave South Africa hope by conceding just one run off the first two balls and taking a wicket, but Shrubsole kept her cool, hitting the winning boundary.
Then came the final against India. With only 11 runs left for India to win their maiden World Cup and two overs in hand, Shrubsole turned the match around. She dismissed Deepti Sharma at the start of her final over and bowled Rajeshwari Gayakwad to complete a historic six-for. England were champions, and Shrubsole was Player of the Match.
Speaking after the win, she admitted, “I’m a little bit lost for words, if I’m honest. Just an unbelievable game.”
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