The Highest run chases in Women’s World Cup finals reflect some of the most memorable moments in the history of women’s cricket. Winning a World Cup final while chasing a target is never easy, it demands patience, composure, and nerves of steel. Over the years, a few teams have risen to the occasion and successfully chased down crucial targets to lift the coveted trophy. Let’s look at the top successful chases in Women’s World Cup finals from 1982 to 2025.
Complete List: Highest Run Chase in Women’s World Cup Finals
| Year | Venue | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Eden Gardens | New Zealand Women | 164 | Australia Women | 165/5 (47.4/50 ov) | Australia Women won by 5 wickets |
| 2009 | North Sydney | New Zealand Women | 166 | England Women | 167/6 (46.1/50 ov) | England Women won by 4 wickets |
| 1982 | Christchurch | England Women | 151/5 | Australia Women | 152/7 (59/60 ov) | Australia Women won by 3 wickets |
| 1988 | Melbourne | England Women | 127/7 | Australia Women | 129/2 (44.5/60 ov) | Australia Women won by 8 wickets |
1997 – Australia Women vs New Zealand Women, Eden Gardens
The 1997 Women’s World Cup final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, was one of the most iconic matches in women’s cricket history. In front of a massive crowd, New Zealand were bowled out for 164, setting Australia a moderate target in the 50-over encounter. Despite early pressure, the Australians handled the chase with maturity, reaching 165/5 in 47.4 overs to win by 5 wickets.
Read Also:- ODI World Cup 2027
This victory gave Australia their third Women’s World Cup title, cementing their dominance in the sport. The 165-run chase was the highest successful run chase in a Women’s World Cup final at the time and remains a benchmark for composure and teamwork in pressure situations.
2009 – England Women vs New Zealand Women, North Sydney
The 2009 ICC Women’s World Cup final saw England reclaim their World Cup glory after a thrilling contest against New Zealand in North Sydney. The White Ferns, batting first, could only muster 166 as England’s disciplined bowling restricted them effectively. In reply, England chased down the target of 167/6 in 46.1 overs, winning the title by 4 wickets.
England’s run chase was steady despite losing early wickets, with their middle order anchoring the innings perfectly. This chase became the second-highest successful run chase in Women’s World Cup finals, just one run behind Australia’s record from 1997. The win marked a turning point for England’s women’s cricket team, inspiring a new generation of players.
1982 – Australia Women vs England Women, Christchurch
The 1982 Women’s World Cup final in Christchurch was the first instance of a successful chase in the tournament’s history. England posted a modest 151/5 in their 60 overs, setting Australia a tricky target on a slow surface. The chase wasn’t easy — wickets fell at regular intervals, and the pressure mounted in the final overs. However, the Australian middle order held firm to chase 152/7 in 59 overs, securing victory with three wickets in hand.
Read Also:- Indian Squad for ODI World Cup 2027
This win gave Australia their first Women’s World Cup title and showcased their mental strength under pressure. It remains one of the earliest classic run chases in women’s cricket history.
1988 – Australia Women vs England Women, Melbourne
Six years later, the two arch-rivals faced off again in the 1988 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. England managed just 127/7 from their full 60 overs, unable to build partnerships on a testing surface. The Australian batters approached the chase with calm precision, led by a solid opening stand. They reached the target of 129/2 in 44.5 overs, clinching an emphatic eight-wicket victory.
This dominant performance highlighted Australia’s growing reputation as world-beaters in women’s cricket. The smooth and composed batting effort underlined their unmatched consistency in finals.
Records and Insights
- Australia’s dominance: Out of the top four successful chases, Australia features in three, proving their consistent excellence on the grandest stage.
- Balanced performances: Every successful chase involved calculated batting rather than explosive hitting, showcasing the tactical depth of women’s cricket.
- Low-scoring thrillers: Although the totals were under 200, each final produced tension-filled finishes, proving that every run mattered.
- Evolution of the game: Comparing the early 1980s to 2009 reveals how women’s cricket evolved in skill, fitness, and strategy setting the base for the modern game.
Complete List of Women’s World Cup Finals
| Year | Host(s) | Final Teams | Winners | Result | Winning Captain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | England | England vs Australia | England | Won on points (20 pts) | Rachael Heyhoe Flint |
| 1978 | India | Australia vs England | Australia | Won on points (6 pts) | Margaret Jennings |
| 1982 | New Zealand | England vs Australia | Australia | Won by 3 wickets (152/7 vs 151/5) | Sharon Tredrea |
| 1988 | Australia | England vs Australia | Australia | Won by 8 wickets (129/2 vs 127/7) | Sharon Tredrea |
| 1993 | England | England vs New Zealand | England | Won by 67 runs (195/5 vs 128) | Karen Smithies |
| 1997 | India | Australia vs New Zealand | Australia | Won by 5 wickets (165/5 vs 164) | Belinda Clark |
| 2000 | New Zealand | New Zealand vs Australia | New Zealand | Won by 4 runs (184 vs 180) | Emily Drumm |
| 2005 | South Africa | Australia vs India | Australia | Won by 98 runs (215/4 vs 117) | Belinda Clark |
| 2009 | Australia | England vs New Zealand | England | Won by 4 wickets (167/6 vs 166) | Charlotte Edwards |
| 2013 | India | Australia vs West Indies | Australia | Won by 114 runs (259/7 vs 145) | Jodie Fields |
| 2017 | England | England vs India | England | Won by 9 runs (228/7 vs 219) | Heather Knight |
| 2022 | New Zealand | Australia vs England | Australia | Won by 71 runs (356/5 vs 285) | Meg Lanning |
| 2025 | India, Sri Lanka | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Complete List
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Edition | 13th Women’s Cricket World Cup |
| Dates | 30 September – 2 November 2025 |
| Hosts | India and Sri Lanka |
| Number of Teams | 8 |
| Tournament Format | Round-robin league stage, then semi-finals and final |
| Total Matches | 31 ODIs |
| Venues | Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Navi Mumbai (India), Colombo (Sri Lanka) |
| Participating Teams | Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka |
When it comes to the highest run chases in Women’s World Cup finals, the matches listed above reflect some of the most inspirational moments in women’s cricket history. Australia’s consistent ability to perform under pressure and England’s 2009 resurgence highlight the resilience and tactical acumen of these powerhouse teams. Each successful chase is not just a statistic but a story of grit, teamwork, and belief qualities that continue to drive women’s cricket to greater heights every year.
