Yastika Bhatia Makes Cricket History at Lord’s

A Historic Century at an Iconic Venue

Yastika Bhatia made cricketing history on Sunday when she posted a Test century at Lord’s, scoring 113 runs off 158 balls. The innings, which included 14 boundaries, gave her a strike rate of 71.51 and marked the first time a woman cricketer has reached three figures at the famed ground. Coming off a serious left‑leg ligament injury that sidelined her for months, the Vadodara‑born wicketkeeper‑batter returned to the Indian side and delivered a performance that will be remembered for generations. Later she spoke of the dramatic turnaround, noting that just months earlier her situation had seemed far from this triumph.

Overcoming Injury and Rebounding

A career‑threatening ligament tear forced Yastika away from the game for several months, but she leaned on the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to aid her recovery. The support system, combined with her own dedication, allowed her to regain fitness and earn a spot back in the national squad. She admitted that the injury had been a low‑point, yet the rehabilitation process turned into a determined drive to prove her worth again.

Voices of Support and Inspiration

Mentor Kiran More praised the achievement, observing that few cricketers get to see their name on the Lord’s honours board and that Yastika’s comeback is a motivation for young players. Her father, Harish Bhatia, described her as “over the moon” after the innings, recalling how teammates erupted when her name was written in the records. He added that one of her biggest dreams was to be part of a World Cup‑winning side, a goal that still lies ahead.

Beyond the Pitch: Academic and Award Achievements

Yastika balances high‑level sport with strong academics, having scored 95 % in Class X and 88.8 % in Class XII board exams. She was named Emerging Player of the Year at the 2023 WPL and was shortlisted for the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2022. These accolades underline her dedication both on and off the field.

Key Statistics

Yastika Bhatia’s innings is a remarkable milestone that reflects months of hard work and dedication. The performance highlights her resilience after a serious left‑leg ligament injury and showcases her steady accumulation of runs. It also serves as a benchmark for emerging batswomen across the subcontinent.

• Score: 113 off 158 balls
• Boundaries: 14
• Strike rate: 71.51