India registered one of the biggest victories in their women’s Test history, defeating England by 270 runs in the one-off Test at Lord’s on Monday to clinch the first-ever women’s Test at the iconic venue.
Defending a daunting target of 457, India bowled England out for 186 in 62.5 overs on the fourth morning, with off-spinner Sneh Rana returning figures of 4/42 and Deepti Sharma claiming 2/36 as the visitors wrapped up a comprehensive victory.
The win extends India’s impressive record in red-ball cricket, marking their seventh victory in their last 11 Tests while preserving their unbeaten record in women’s Tests in England.
England resumed the day at 130/6, with Amy Jones carrying the hosts’ hopes after her overnight half-century. Rana struck early, dismissing Jones for 54 when she pulled a short ball straight to Shafali Verma at mid-wicket.
Issy Wong and Sophie Ecclestone then resisted for nearly 10 overs before Deepti Sharma breached Wong’s defence with one that drifted in and straightened to hit off stump.
Ecclestone, who reached her maiden Test fifty off 61 balls, briefly delayed the inevitable with Lauren Bell and Lauren Filer. But Rana sealed the match by bowling Ecclestone through the gate with a flighted delivery that dipped and turned to hit the stumps.
India’s victory capped a dominant all-round performance across four days. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana laid the foundation with scores of 83 and 70, while Yastika Bhatia’s 113 became the first century in a women’s Test at Lord’s. Richa Ghosh added a brisk unbeaten half-century, and Kranti Gaud starred with the ball earlier in the match.
The triumph came in the presence of Sachin Tendulkar, who addressed the Indian team before the start of play on the final day, along with ICC Chairman Jay Shah, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla and Secretary Devajit Saikia.
Brief scores: India 285 & 341/7 declared (Yastika Bhatia 113; Sophie Ecclestone 5/118) beat England 170 & 186 (Amy Jones 54, Sophie Ecclestone 50; Sneh Rana 4/42, Sayali Satghare 2/24) by 270 runs
