331. The Rise & Glory Of The 2017 Women’s World Cup

Hi there! Welcome to Episode 331 of Never on the Backfoot Podcast. The 2017 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup was more than just a cricket tournament — it was a watershed moment for the women’s game. Hosted in England, it brought together eight of the world’s best teams, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable performances that changed the way women’s cricket was seen globally.In this episode, we revisit the journey from the qualifiers in Colombo all the way to that historic final at Lord’s. We look back at the drama of the group stage — India’s unbeaten start and surprise defeats, England’s bounce-back after an opening loss, South Africa’s emergence as dark horses, Australia’s clinical dominance, and the struggles of West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. We break down the key moments that shifted momentum: Athapaththu’s record-breaking 178* against Australia, Harmanpreet Kaur’s iconic 171* in the semi-final, and Anya Shrubsole’s spell that sealed England’s fourth title.Through tactical insights, player narratives, and behind-the-scenes context, we ask: what made 2017 the turning point for women’s cricket? Which teams rose, which faltered, and what legacies did this World Cup leave behind for the players, the fans, and the sport itself?Thank you so much for tuning in to today’s episode and for your incredible support. If you haven’t already, make sure to hit the follow button and tap the bell icon on Spotify to stay updated with every new episode.Stay connected with us on social media – follow @neveronthebackfoot on Instagram and Threads, and @neverontheback1 on Twitter (now X) for the latest cricket insights, fresh content, and much more throughout this action-packed season.You can also catch the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify for Podcasters, and many other streaming platforms. Plus, Never on the Backfoot is now on YouTube, so don’t forget to subscribe for exclusive, in-depth content coming your way.Thanks again for all your love and support. Until next time, stay safe, take care, and keep enjoying the game. Bye for now!