India scripted history with a commanding 270-run victory over England in the first-ever Women's Test match played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. The memorable triumph marked India's second-largest victory by runs in Women's Test cricket and reinforced the team's growing dominance in the longest format of the game.
After England elected to bowl first, India posted a competitive 285 in their opening innings. Smriti Mandhana laid a solid foundation with a fluent half-century, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur added another crucial fifty to guide the visitors to a strong total.
England struggled in reply as India's bowling attack took complete control. Young pacer Kranti Gaud delivered a sensational performance, claiming a historic five-wicket haul to become the first woman to achieve the feat in a Test match at Lord’s. Her outstanding spell helped dismiss England for just 170, giving India a significant first-innings advantage.
India further tightened their grip in the second innings through a brilliant century from Yastika Bhatia, who became the first woman to score a Test hundred at Lord’s. Smriti Mandhana continued her impressive form with another half-century, while Richa Ghosh contributed a valuable fifty to extend India's lead beyond England’s reach.
Set a daunting target, England failed to recover against India's disciplined bowling attack in the fourth innings. The visitors wrapped up the match comfortably, completing one of the most remarkable victories in their Women's Test history.
The match also marked an emotional farewell for England veterans Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight, both members of England’s 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup-winning team at Lord’s, as they ended their international careers after the historic contest.
