2017 Women’s World Cup Revisited

As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the start of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, we take a look back at the last time England & Wales hosted a global women’s tournament: the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup. 

The Central Co-op County Ground has been used a a T20 World Cup warm-up venue by Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Scotland and the Netherlands, while England faced New Zealand in an IT20 last month, in preparation for this summer’s showpiece event.

This all got us feeling a little nostalgic, so join us on a trip down memory lane, as we re-live the last time the World Cup visited Derby.

The Group Stage:

The biggest Women’s World Cup to date began right here at The Central Co-op County Ground with the opening ceremony, before England faced India in front of a bumper crowd at Derby, in a preview of the eventual final.

In a Player of the Match performance, Smriti Mandhana scored a brilliant 90, while Punam Raut (86) and captain Mithali Raj (71) also impressed with the bat. For England, Fran Wilson top-scored with 81, but the hosts fell short in the tournament opener.

Little over a week later, the eyes of the world were once again on Derby as India faced Pakistan.

India set a target of 170, but a stunning spell of 5-18 from Ekta Bisht ensured victory as Pakistan were bowled out for just 74, with only Nahida Khan and Sana Mir reaching double-figures with the bat.

India continued to find Derby a happy hunting ground, as they claimed victory over Sri Lanka next time out, thanks to a brilliant all-round performance from Deepti Sharma, before West Indies defeated the same opponent after 3-39 from Anisa Mohammed.

England returned to Derby for their penultimate group game, where they faced New Zealand and were hoping to secure a place in the semi-finals. Future captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, led the way with a stunning 129, while Tammy Beaumont smashed 93 off 102 balls to set the visitors a target of 285.

Alex Hartley, Anya Shrubsole and Jenny Gunn all made telling contributions with the ball, as New Zealand were bowled out for 209, as England stormed their way into the final four.

The knockout stages

England overcame South Africa in a semi-final at Bristol to book their place at Lord’s, while India, armed with a 100% record at Derby in the tournament, took on Australia in a blockbuster clash.

India legend, Harmanpreet Kaur, dominated the Australia bowling, as she hammered 171 not out, facing just 115 balls. Despite half-centuries from Elyse Villani (75) and Alex Blackwell (90), Australia fell short and, fittingly, the final game at Derby set up a final mirroring in first game of the tournament: England vs India.

In a historic showing, England lifted the World Cup at Lord’s after defeating India by nine runs. In 2026, they will be hoping to taste glory on home soil once again!

See the stars of the T20 Women’s World Cup in Derby!

World Cup-hopefuls, England return to The Central Co-op County Ground this September to face Ireland in a Metro Bank One-Day International on Thursday 3 September.

After a record Early Bird Window, limited advanced tickets remain for both fixtures, with more than 75% of reserved seating already booked.

Adult ticket prices will increase by £5 on the day of each fixture, so buy in advance to save!