Yastika Bhatia scripts history in Lord's Test, becomes first-ever woman cricketer to...

Yastika Bhatia etched her name into 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 one-off Test against England.

The Indian wicketkeeper-batter reached the three-figure mark on Day 3 – July 12 with a composed single off Issy Wong before soaking in the applause from all corners of the iconic venue. She removed her helmet, raised her bat to acknowledge the crowd and her teammates, and bowed down to the pitch in an emotional celebration as her name was destined for the prestigious Lord’s Honours Board.

Bhatia eventually departed for a superb 113 off 158 balls, laced with 14 boundaries, after Sophie Ecclestone induced a mistimed lofted shot that was safely caught by Mady Villiers at point. As she walked back, the Lord’s crowd rose to its feet.

Historic feat 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)

Her century came at a crucial time for India, as the historic knock powered the visitors to a massive 400-plus lead. Supported by Smriti Mandhana’s 70, India tightened their grip on the one-off Test after bowling England out for 170 in the first innings. Having begun their second innings with a 115-run lead, India continued to pile on the runs and now stand on the verge of winning their first-ever Women’s Test at Lord’s.