In a performance that will be remembered for generations, the Indian women’s cricket team delivered a masterclass to crush England by 270 runs in the first-ever Women’s Test match at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s side produced a complete, dominant display across all four days, underlining their growing stature in the longest format and marking a landmark moment for women’s cricket.
The foundation was laid in the first innings. Smriti Mandhana played with trademark fluency to score 83, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur (58) and Deepti Sharma (57) chipped in with crucial half-centuries. Despite England’s bowlers sharing the spoils, India posted a competitive 285. England never recovered from a devastating new-ball spell by debutant pacer Kranti Gaud, who tore through the top order with a magnificent 5 for 37. Supported by Sayali Satghare’s 2 for 40 and Sneh Rana’s control, India skittled England out for just 170, securing a valuable 115-run first-innings lead.
India tightened their grip in the second innings. Mandhana followed up with a composed 70, but it was Yastika Bhatia who produced the innings of the match — a superb 113 that combined patience with calculated aggression. Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten 50 accelerated the scoring as India declared at 341 for 7, setting England a daunting target of 457.
England’s chase never gathered momentum. Early strikes from Satghare and Gaud reduced the hosts to 34 for 4. Sneh Rana then took over, dismantling the middle and lower order with figures of 4 for 42, while Deepti Sharma claimed two late wickets. Brief resistance came from Amy Jones and Sophie Ecclestone, but England were dismissed for 186.
As the final wicket fell on Monday afternoon, the Indian players erupted in celebration — not just for a famous victory, but for a historic triumph in the first Women’s Test ever staged at the Home of Cricket.
This result stands as one of the most significant wins in Indian women’s cricket history, showcasing depth, skill, and dominance on the biggest stage.
