Historic Victory in Women’s Test: Bhatia Shines at Lord’s
Yastika Bhatia has made history by being the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s as India took a strong hold on the one-off Women’s Test against England on Day 3. Kranti Gaud then stepped up with a brilliant new-ball spell that left the English team facing a tough battle.
Bhatia played an outstanding innings, scoring 113 runs off 158 balls, and helped India reach a total of 341 for seven declared in their second innings. This set a tough target of 457 for England. By the end of the day, the host team had fallen to 130 for six, needing 327 more runs with just four wickets left.
Starting the day at 39, Bhatia displayed a mix of graceful shots and solid defense, resulting in one of her best performances yet. She hit a stunning straight drive to bring up her half-century and faced the spinners confidently before achieving her historic century.
Adding to India’s momentum, Richa Ghosh contributed a quick-fire 50 runs off 52 balls, leading India to declare just before the tea break.
Troubles for England
Facing a record chase, England’s troubles started right away when Gaud struck with the very first ball of their innings. Tammy Beaumont, in her farewell international match, was disappointing as she was bowled out too soon.
Gaud maintained her pressure, claiming another wicket as Heather Knight’s final Test innings ended at just 13, caught by Richa Ghosh. Sayali Satghare matched Gaud’s impressive bowling, trapping Maia Bouchier LBW with a delivery that swung back sharply. England found themselves in trouble at 34 for four as India’s seamers dominated the evening session.
Amy Jones tried to stabilize the innings with an unbeaten 52, while Mady Villiers added 26. Together, they managed a 67-run partnership for the sixth wicket, which briefly delayed India’s march to victory. However, Richa Ghosh’s sharp catch at silly point ended Villiers’ resistance.
India in Control
Earlier in the day, India lost Smriti Mandhana (70), Jemimah Rodrigues (3), and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (16), but Bhatia ensured that India still controlled the game. England spinner Sophie Ecclestone received praise for her five-wicket haul, consistently testing India’s middle order. Lauren Bell also showcased her disciplined seam bowling.
However, the day undeniably belonged to the Indian team. Bhatia’s historic century set the stage for Gaud and Satghare to dismantle England’s top order, making India the clear favorites to achieve a remarkable win in this historic match at Lord’s as they head into the final day.
- Ends –
