England last won the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2017, when they beat India in a nailbiting final at Lord’s
The 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup starts on Tuesday, 30 September, with England hoping to lift the title for a fifth time.
Only defending champions Australia (seven times) have won it more often, with New Zealand the only other country to get their hands on the prize when they triumphed 25 years ago.
Here is everything you need to know about the latest tournament, including the schedule, how to watch and follow on the BBC.
What is the Women’s World Cup?
The World Cup is regarded as the most prestigious competition in women’s cricket and is played once every four years by eight teams (though that will rise to 10 in 2029).
The eight competing nations are: Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
The latest edition is being hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan playing all of their matches in Colombo because of the current political situation with neighbours India.
What is the schedule and format of the Women’s World Cup?
Matches are 50 overs per side, with each team playing the other once in the initial round-robin group stage.
The top four progress to the semi-finals, with the group-stage leader playing the team which finished fourth and second and third playing against each other.
India and Sri Lanka open the tournament on 30 September in Guwahati, with England getting their campaign under way against South Africa, also in Guwahati, on 3 October.
Current holders Australia begin against New Zealand in Indore on 1 October and face hosts India in Visakhapatnam on 12 October and Ashes rivals England on 22 October in Indore.
Colombo will host Pakistan’s seven group games, including against India and England. A semi-final and the final will also take place there, if Pakistan make it that far.
When is Women’s World Cup final this year?
The final will be played on 2 November and will be held in Colombo if Pakistan qualify or Navi Mumbai in India if not. It begins at 09:30 GMT.
Who are the past winners?
1973: England
1978: Australia
1982: Australia
1988: Australia
1993: England
1997: Australia
2000: New Zealand
2005: Australia
2009: England
2013: Australia
2017: England
2022: Australia
How can I follow Women’s World Cup on the BBC?
There will be commentary of every game on Test Match Special, via BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app and on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.
In addition, the BBC Sport website and app will run live text commentaries on the majority of games in the competition, with in-play clips, reports and features from on the ground.
The matches are live on Sky Sports in the UK.
The BBC Cricket Instagram, external account is a key destination for cricket fans, plus you can keep up to date with the competition via the BBC Cricket WhatsApp channel, external.
