Women's Cricket World Cup 1988

The fourth Women's Cricket World Cup took place in Australia from 29 November to 18 December 1988. This tournament featured five teams playing a double round-robin format followed by playoffs. A total of 22 matches were held across various venues including the Melbourne Cricket Ground and North Sydney Oval. Australia secured their third title by defeating England in the final.

Individual performances stood out throughout the 60-over competition. Lindsay Reeler topped the run-scoring charts with 448 runs, while Lyn Fullston claimed 16 wickets to lead the bowling statistics. Fullston also recorded the only five-wicket haul of the tournament, taking 5/28 against the opposition. England's Carole Hodges earned the player of the series award for her contributions.

The 1988 event saw several records fall during the group stage. In the opening match, Lindsay Reeler scored 143 not out, setting a new record for the highest individual score in a women's ODI that lasted until 1997. Australia also posted the highest team score of the tournament, though New Zealand surpassed that mark just days later. Meanwhile, the Netherlands unfortunately recorded the lowest score in an ODI match during this period.

The final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground marked the first time women's cricket had been played at the venue since 1949. Around 3,000 spectators attended the match, which was broadcast on both radio and television. Despite the massive capacity of the stadium, players noted the empty stands made the setting feel particularly vast and lonely.