India Women Claim Historic Win Over England At Lord’s

India made history at Lord’s on Monday, crushing England by 270 runs in the first-ever women’s Test at the iconic venue. Yastika Bhatia’s unbeaten 113 not‑out anchored a dominant all‑round performance, while Kranti Gaud’s seven‑wicket haul sealed a command‑ing victory. The match showcased India’s depth, with contributions from Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh and a disciplined bowling attack that forced England into a daunting 457‑run chase.

Yastika Bhatia’s Record‑Breaking Century

Bhatia’s fluent 113 turned the tide in India’s second innings, making her the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s. She combined excellent footwork against spin with elegant strokeplay against the seamers, setting a solid foundation for the declaration at 341 for seven. Smriti Mandhana supported with a crisp 70, while Richa Ghosh finished strongly with an unbeaten half‑century. The partnership trio lifted India to a target England could not realistically chase.

Bowling Mastery By Kranti Gaud And Co.

India’s bowlers dominated from the start, and Kranti Gaud was the architect of the victory. She claimed five wickets in the first innings (5/37) and added two more in the chase (2/54), including the wicket of Tammy Beaumont with the very first ball. Sneh Rana delivered a four‑fer (4/42 and 3/41) and also cleaned up Sophie Ecclestone after the latter’s gritty half‑century. Sayali Satghare and Deepti Sharma also contributed with sharp pace and spin, restricting England to a meagre 170 in their first dig.

England’s Battling Response

England fought hard, with Amy Jones leading the charge and notching 52 in the first innings and 54 in the second. Nat Sciver‑Brunt added 44 in the opening foray, providing the only substantial partnerships for the hosts. Sophie Ecclestone returned figures of 5/118, while Lauren Bell took crucial breakthroughs with 2/27. Despite their resilience, England could only manage 186 runs in the second innings, leaving them 271 short.

What This Victory Means For Women’s Test Cricket

India’s emphatic win marks a milestone for women’s Test cricket, proving that the format can deliver high‑stakes drama even at historic venues like Lord’s. The performance highlights the growing depth of talent in the Indian side and raises the profile of the women’s game globally. With a first‑ever women’s Test now part of the calendar, matches like this are likely to inspire greater viewership and investment in the sport’s longest format.

Final Score: India Women 285 & 341/7 d; England Women 170 & 186 – India won by 270 runs.