London, July 12 (IANS) Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Yastika Bhatia wrote history on Sunday when she became the first woman cricketer to score a Test century at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. The historic feat came on the third day of India’s current one-off Test match against England.
Yastika Bhatia etched her name in the history books with a brilliant maiden Test century, becoming the first ever woman to score a Test hundred at Lord’s Cricket Ground during the ongoing one-off Test against England.The Indian wicket-keeper-batsman reached the three-figure mark on the third day – July 12 with a single from Essie Wong before receiving applause from all over the famous venue. She took off her helmet, raised her racket to honor the crowd and her teammates, and bowed on the field in an emotional ceremony as her name was dedicated to the prestigious House of Lords of Honor.Bhatia eventually departed to make a brilliant 113 off 158 balls, laced with 14 boundaries, after Sophie Ecclestone’s mistimed high shot was safely blocked by Maddy Villiers at point.
As she walked back, the Lord’s crowd rose to their feet.
A historic achievement 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 3rd/4th innings of the Women’s Test for India:
- 113 – Yastika Bhatia vs England Lords (2026)
- 98 – Sandhya Agarwal vs New Zealand in Lucknow (1985)
- 83 – Sandhya Agarwal vs Australia Wankhede (1984)
- 80* – Sneh Rana vs England, Bristol (2021)
- 75 – Gargi Banerjee vs England in Blackpool (1986)
- 72 – Gargi Banerjee vs Australia Wankhede (1984)
Her century came at a crucial time for India, with the historic knock propelling the visitors to a massive lead of over 400 runs. Supported by Smriti Mandhana’s 70, India tightened their grip on the one-run Test after England were bowled out for 170 in the first innings. After starting their second innings with a 115-run lead, India continued to pile on and are now on the verge of winning their first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s.