Guwahati: India produced a performance for the ages on Monday, defeating England by 270 runs in the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s to register one of the most memorable victories in the history of Indian women’s cricket.
From the opening session to the final wicket, India remained firmly in control, with Kranti Gaud, Yastika Bhatia and Sneh Rana leading the charge in the landmark triumph.
Set a daunting target of 457, England were bowled out for 186 on the final day despite a determined resistance from Sophie Ecclestone, handing India a famous victory at one of cricket’s most iconic venues.
Kranti Gaud was the standout performer with the ball. The fast bowler claimed 5 for 37 in England’s first innings before picking up two more wickets in the second, finishing with seven wickets in the match. Her five-wicket haul also earned her a place on the prestigious Lord’s honours board, making her the first woman to achieve the feat in a Test at the venue.
India’s batting was equally impressive. After posting 285 in the first innings, the visitors strengthened their grip on the match in the second innings through a superb century by Yastika Bhatia. Her fluent 113 not only put India firmly in control but also made her the first woman to score a Test hundred at Lord’s. India eventually declared at 341 for 7, leaving England with an almost impossible chase.
Spinner Sneh Rana then ensured there would be no late comeback, claiming 4 for 42 in the final innings as India’s bowlers wrapped up the match with ease.
The victory is widely hailed as a watershed moment for Indian women’s cricket. Winning a Test at Lord’s, one of the sport’s most historic venues, adds another remarkable chapter to the team’s growing list of achievements.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) described the triumph as “one of the finest moments in the history of Indian women’s cricket.”
BCCI president Mithun Manhas congratulated the team, saying the victory would inspire generations of young cricketers and reinforce India’s rise as a force in women’s cricket.
The historic result has also renewed discussions on expanding women’s Test cricket, with several former players and cricket administrators calling for a structured Women’s World Test Championship to give the format greater prominence.