India Women Make History at Lord’s, Defeat England by 270 Runs in First-Ever Women’s Test at Venue

India’s women’s cricket team created history at Lord’s by defeating England by 270 runs in the first-ever women’s Test match played at the iconic ground.

India wrapped up England’s second innings for 186 on the fourth day, completing a dominant victory in just over 90 minutes on the final morning.

Chasing a record target of 457 runs, England resumed play at 130-6, but India’s spin attack quickly dismantled the lower order. Off-spinner Sneh Rana delivered the decisive blow, finishing with figures of 4-42 and dismissing a determined Sophie Ecclestone for 50 to seal the win.

The match was witnessed by a crowd that included cricket great Sachin Tendulkar, as India secured a memorable victory at one of world cricket’s most historic venues.

India bounce back with landmark Test win

The victory provided a major boost for Harmanpreet Kaur’s side after their disappointing group-stage exit from the recent T20 World Cup, where their hopes of reaching the semi-finals ended following defeat against Australia.

The result also marked India’s fourth win in their last five women’s Tests, while England’s wait for a home Test victory continued, with their winless run extending back to 2005.

Bhatia and Gaud enter Lord’s honours board

India dominated key moments throughout the four-day contest, with several players producing historic performances.

Yastika Bhatia, born in Vadodara, became the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s. She earned a place on the venue’s prestigious honours board after scoring a brilliant 113 in the second innings.

Fast bowler Kranti Gaud also joined the honours board after claiming a five-wicket haul, while opener Smriti Mandhana provided a strong foundation with scores of 83 and 70 across the match.

England’s veterans miss out on farewell moment

The defeat added to a difficult period for England, coming just eight days after their loss to Australia in the T20 World Cup final.

The match also marked the final international appearance for England batting stalwarts Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight. However, both players were unable to produce a farewell performance, being dismissed for 0 and 13 respectively during the third evening.

Ecclestone and Jones provide England positives

Despite the defeat, England found some individual highlights.

Sophie Ecclestone secured her own place on the Lord’s honours board with a five-wicket haul earlier in the match before scoring her first international half-century on the final morning.

Wicketkeeper Amy Jones also showed resilience, scoring 54 after making a half-century in the first innings.

Following the historic Test, England’s players will now join their respective teams for The Hundred, which begins on 21 July, before returning to international action against Ireland in September.