Yastika Bhatia etched her name in the history books with a magnificent maiden Test century, becoming the first woman ever to score a Test hundred at Lord’s Cricket Ground during the ongoing Test against England.The Indian batsman reached the three-figure mark on Day 3 – July 12 with a single off Issy Wong before basking in applause from all corners of the iconic venue. He removed his helmet, raised his bat to acknowledge the crowd and his teammates, and bowed to the field in an emotional celebration as his name was destined for the prestigious Lord’s Honors Board.Bhatia finally departed for a superb 113 off 158 balls, laced with 14 boundaries, after Sophie Ecclestone induced a mistimed lofted shot which was safely caught by Mady Villiers at point. As she went back, the Lord’s crowd rose to her feet.
Historic invoice for India
Bhatia’s innings was not only her maiden Test century, but also the highest score by an Indian woman in the third or fourth innings of a Test match.Highest scores in the third/fourth innings of a Women’s Test for India:
- 113 – Yastika Bhatia vs England, Lord’s (2026)
- 98 – Sandhya Agarwal vs New Zealand, Lucknow (1985)
- 83 – Sandhya Agarwal vs Australia, Wankhede (1984)
- 80* – Sneh Rana vs England, Bristol (2021)
- 75 – Gargi Banerjee vs England, Blackpool (1986)
- 72 – Gargi Banerjee vs Australia, Wankhede (1984)
His century came at a crucial time for India as the historic knock powered the visitors to a massive lead of over 400. Backed by Smriti Mandhana’s 70, India tightened their grip on the Test once again after bowling England out for 170 in the first innings. After starting their second innings with a lead of 115 runs, India continued to pile on the runs and now stand on the verge of winning their first women’s test at Lord’s.